Pundit hails Newcastle player, says Eddie Howe has a man ‘reborn’ that has rediscovered his ‘mojo’

Fri 12 November 2021 10:50, UK

that Newcastle United have a “man reborn” in midfielder Jeff Hendrick, after his display on Thursday.

Hendrick, 29, has endured a very tricky spell since joining Newcastle from Burnley. He has only played three times for the Toon this season.

It comes after only managing 23 appearances for Newcastle under Steve Bruce last term. He has started just once, a Cup game against Burnley.

But for Ireland, Hendrick is impressing. He was crucial for the boys in green, as they stopped Portugal in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw in Dublin, Delaney was full of praise for Newcastle’s £40k-a-week () midfielder – a man “reborn”.

“Jeff Hendrick is a man reborn,” “He looks like has rediscovered his desire, his mojo. He was brilliant in the first half.”

Delaney on Hendrick: Could it be a reminder to Newcastle boss Howe?

Howe has numerous decisions to make before Newcastle take on Brentford next Saturday. Does he stick with a back five to take on The Bees?

Or does he go with more of a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 system that he used at Bournemouth. Does he loosen the shackles on Allan Saint-Maximin?

He will also have to make a decision in midfield. Howe will not be able to work with Hendrick until Ireland play Luxembourg on Sunday.

But that will give him a few days to at least show Howe he deserves to start. Thursday’s performance will have been a reminder for Howe.