Newcastle United outcast praised as Sheffield Wednesday debut draws near

Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick has been described as ‘a leader and a man’ as he prepares to spend the remainder of the season with Championship club Sheffield Wednesday.

The 79-times capped Republic of Ireland international has not featured for the Magpies since coming off the bench in a 4-0 home defeat against Manchester City in December 2021 and has spent time out on loan at Queens Park Rangers and Reading over the last two seasons.

Hendrick made 46 appearances for Reading as the Royals failed to preserve their Championship status last season and will now hope for a more positive experience of life in the second tier after joining Wednesday in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

The former Burnley midfielder has already received the approval of Owls star Barry Bannan as he prepares to make his Wednesday debut when his new side host former League One rivals Ipswich Town at Hillsborough this weekend.

He told Yorkshire Live: “I was happy to see a few signings come in the door (on deadline day) because I felt we needed it. The signings have been good, proven guys in this league.

“I know John (Buckley) is young but he’s played over a hundred-and-odd games so he knows what the Championship is all about. Jeff’s experienced and has so many caps (for Ireland), it speaks for itself. He’s played Premier League too, so they’re two great additions.

“He’s a good player who’s had a great career. I feel probably that that deal was one that was needed - someone with that experience and who is a leader and a man and who can come in and knows what it takes to win games in this league.

“I think it’s two great additions to the squad and we can integrate them now.”