Steve Howey believes that Newcastle United’s summer signing Jeff Hendrick has “gone a little bit quiet” in recent weeks after a strong start for the Toon.
During the recent transfer window, Steve Bruce’s outfit acquired the services of the Irish midfielder from fellow Premier League side Burnley. The 28-year-old middleman, who has won 57 caps for the Republic of Ireland, arrived at St. James’ Park on a free transfer from the Clarets having spent four seasons at Turf Moor.
In his debut for the Magpies, Hendrick delivered a stellar performance against West Ham United as he bagged a goal and provided an assist in the 2-0 victory. However, since then it seems that Howey believes that he has faded into the background a little although he does insist he believes it was a good addition for the club.
“He has gone a little bit quiet since the West Ham game,” Howey said speaking exclusively to Football FanCast.
“I mean, I think it was a decent signing when you get him for free but you’re not getting him for free because, obviously, there’s the wage there.
“You don’t play that many times for your country if there’s not something about you. So, he was definitely a good signing, I think to get him on a free was good.”
Since the opening game of the 2020/21 season, Hendrick has featured in all of the Toon’s Premier League matches but he has neither scored nor assisted another goal.
However, during the Irishman’s time with Sean Dyche’s Burnley, the midfielder was far from prolific as he netted just 10 goals and provided seven assists in 139 appearances.
Howey went on to state: “Obviously, I’ve watched him at his other clubs and I’ve always thought he was a solid player – a good pro. So, if you can get quality players, which he is a quality player, for pretty much nothing then you would take him.
“I mean, obviously, Ryan Fraser was another one but his wage will probably be a lot more than Hendrick’s but this is where Newcastle is, at the moment.”
With Hendrick only six games into the Premier League season as a Newcastle player, despite him not reaching the levels of his debut again, there is still plenty of time left for him to do so this term.
It would appear that he is already a favourite of manager Bruce anyway, who has started him in every league game to date and described him as a “big asset” following his arrival.