Noel King: Jeff Hendrick fully deserves senior call-up

Noel King: Jeff Hendrick fully deserves senior Ireland call-up

26 Jan 2013 10:06:00

The Ireland under-21 boss believes that there is more to come from the Derby midfielder after his senior call-up

Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Noel King has praised Jeff Hendrick after the Derby County midfielder received his first ever senior call-up.

Hendrick was included in Giovanni Trapattoni's senior Ireland squad for February's friendly with Poland, and King believes there is more to come from the 20-year-old Dubliner. "Jeff had an excellent year with the U21s and fully deserves his senior call-up," King told the Irish Examiner. "Playing with better players at international level will improve him. There is certainly more in him to come out."

King's under-21 side take on the Netherlands in a friendly on the same day that the senior side face Poland, and the former Shamrock Rovers midfielder will be hoping that his team put on a good display ahead of European Under-21 Championship Qualifying. Ireland are fourth seeds in the draw for Euro 2015, due to take place on Thursday in Nyon, Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman is likely to miss Ireland's friendly with Poland due to a groin strain. The Everton full-back will miss today's FA Cup tie with Bolton Wanderers, and his club have not confirmed the full scale of his injury.

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