‘Like a demon’ - Newcastle United midfielder praised after man of the match display

Reading manager Paul Ince has described on-loan Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick as ‘like a demon’ as he continues to impress with the Championship club.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Royals on a season-long loan deal during the summer after spending the second half of last season with Queens Park Rangers. Hendrick’s spell at Loftus Road was somewhat underwhelming but he has made a more positive impact during his latest temporary switch away from Tyneside.

After making his debut in a 1-0 defeat against Blackpool on the opening day of the Championship season, Hendrick has gone on to make 27 appearances for Ince’s side and drew praise from the former Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder Ince following a two-goal display in Saturday’s draw against QPR.

Speaking after the game, the Royals boss said: “You know what you get from Jeff. There are some people who have too much to say about him especially in this club in the press but he is one you can trust,” Ince said, speaking after the game.

“He gives you six, seven or eight out of ten. He is not a glamorous player by any means but you get what it says on the tin and if you add goals to his game then you’ve got a very good player. I was pleased for him. He’ll be disappointed because scoring twice should be enough to win at home.

“But he is a great lad and the others love him. He trains like a demon every day. He is very professional and I like professional players and he is one you can trust. The thing about football ultimately is that you’ve got to have 11 players you can trust. Sometimes you don’t pick the players with the most talent but ones you can trust week in, week out and Jeff is one of those.”

Hendrick will be back in action on Saturday when Reading visit a Stoke City side sat bottom of the Championship table.