Jeff Hendrick hopes to lead Queens Park Rangers to promotion from the Championship after capping ‘crazy birthday’ by sealing a loan move to the London club.
The Newcastle midfielder will spend the remainder of the season at Mark Warburton’s play-off chasers having struggled to break into the Magpies’ side this season.
Hendrick has featured just three times in the Premier League, twice as a late sub, and the arrival of new boss Eddie Howe hasn’t changed his prospectus.
The Dubliner has lined out more times for his country (six) than club this term and, with the Nations League campaign set to begin next month, he’s moved in search of regular games.
Hendrick, who came through the ranks at St Kevin’s Boys before joining Derby County as a teenager, turned 30 on Monday and he says it turned out to be frantic birthday.
“It was a bit of a crazy birthday, just waiting for this to happen, but I’m really excited,” Hendrick told QPR’s media team.
“I’ve been following the team throughout this season and they’re in a good position in the league. Hopefully, I can come in and help give that last push to get promoted.”
“I’ve played against the manager’s teams throughout the league and they always play good football.
“John Eustace is there who I played with, and I know certain players like Jimmy Dunne and Andre Gray. I just thought this would be the right fit for me."
“Anyone who knows me will know I’ll be disappointed with the game time I’ve got this season so I wanted to get out, get games and enjoy my football.
“I wasn’t just going to sit around. A big thing for me is to push myself and enjoy my football. I just want to hit the ground running.”
Warburton added: “We are always looking to add experience and quality to our ranks, especially ahead of such an important stage of the season.
“Jeff has shown his quality at the highest level on the international stage and in the Premier League.
“Everyone you speak to speaks so highly of Jeff, of his character and his work ethic and there is no doubt he will add another layer of quality to the squad.#
“The players have worked so hard to build a brilliant dressing room culture, one that has such togetherness and harmony.
“So anyone we add must be the right character – and Jeff certainly fits the bill in that respect.”
