‘One of the best passes you’ll see all year’: Media wowed by Newcastle-owned player’s international display

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Newcastle United loanee Jeff Hendrick put in a solid performance for the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

The 30-year-old swapped the Magpies for QPR on loan at the end of the January transfer window.

Hendrick made just three Premier League appearances for Newcastle this season.

Although the Magpies landed him on a free transfer in 2020, he failed to impress beyond his debut.

Now Hendrick is getting much more game time in a move that benefited all parties.

On Saturday, the Newcastle-owned midfielder started for the Republic of Ireland in the FAI’s centenary match.

The Boys in Green played out a 2-2 draw with Belgium at the Aviva Stadium.

Michy Batshuayi opened the scoring for the world’s number one-ranked side in the 12th minute.

However, Chiedozie Ogbene levelled for the hosts with a well-taken goal on 35 minutes.

Hans Vanaken then put Belgium ahead again, but substitute Alan Browne headed home a late equaliser.

Browne had replaced Hendrick in the 75th minute after the Magpies loanee put in a decent shift in green.

The highlight of his display was a superb run and pass for Jason Knight.

“Delightful”

Balls.ie gave him 7 out of 10 and wrote: “Hendrick had a very quiet opening half, not really displaying the type of incisive passes that were so prominent in his strong performances towards the end of last year.

“Things picked up a bit after the break, with his delightful through-ball to Jason Knight one of the best passes you will see all year.”

Pundit Arena also gave Hendrick a 7, but their review was a little less enthusiastic.

“Not one of his best performances in green after some fine displays last autumn,” they wrote.

“A speculative long-range effort in the second half could have made it 2-2.”