Steve Bruce reacts to Jeff Hendrick's 'difficult week' after early Newcastle United return

Summer signing Hendrick, a Premier League ever-present so far this season for Newcastle United, was at fault one goal in the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 defeat to England last week. The midfielder was then sent off in last Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Wales.

Hendrick, suspended for midweek game against Bulgaria, returned to Tyneside early to prepare for tomorrow’s home game against Chelsea.

“Jeff’s had a difficult week, but it’s part and parcel of being a professional footballer,” said head coach Bruce. “He’s had a red card, but we’ve all had many of them. He’ll be OK, he’s a good pro, a good lad. You just need to judge where they’ve been, what they’ve been up to, how have they reacted, how they’ve done. He has had a difficult couple of weeks, yes.”

Hendrick’s form at Newcastle has also come under scrutiny in recent weeks.