Derby County boss John Eustace has discussed Jeff Hendrick’s presence at the club’s training ground as The Rams weigh up handing him a short-term deal.
Injury issues in midfield has seen the Midlands club search for alternatives on the market and after the blow to Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh, the former Newcastle United man has become a figure of interest.
“He’ll Help”
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Eustace has opened up on if Hendrick, who played for the club prior to signing for Burnley back in 2016, would have an impact on the team as they battle for Championship survival. He said:
“We’ve got Jeff training with us at the moment which I think’s a real plus for us.
“Obviously, Jeff knows the club inside out. He was here when I was playing as well, and I know the kind of character he is. I think he’ll help the dressing room from now to the end of the season.
“He’s looked great. He’s obviously a very fit, very athletic lad, and he looks no different now from when I was playing with him. He’s had a fantastic career, so I think his experience coming in to help the group will be key.
“He hasn’t played any games at all for the last year. He’s doing a small pre-season, but the season does not have that long to go. We want to get him involved as much as we can and hopefully, this time next week, he will be part of the group.”
The Rams face a crunch fixture against Eustace’s former club in Blackburn Rovers this weekend and hoping to cut their seven-point deficit to Cardiff City as The Bluebirds face Sunderland.
Writer’s View
Based on John Eustace’s comments, barring any injuries, Jeff Hendrick will join former Leeds United man Keemar Roofe as Derby County’s second free-agent signing of the year. The Rams need an experienced figure in the middle of the park, with Ebou Adams in the middle of his first season as a Championship regular and the injury to David Ozoh paving the way for 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong to make his first start for the club in an irregular position. Whilst he may not have played for a year, Hendrick will be helpful to have but the question remains as if he can make a difference to help County avoid the drop.
