'The fans will LOVE him' – ex-Newcastle United and England attacker praises Steve Bruce capture

Former England, Liverpool and Newcastle United star John Barnes believes the ‘fans will LOVE’ Steve Bruce addition Jeff Hendrick.
John Barnes is seen during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on June 21, 2020 in Liverpool, England.John Barnes is seen during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on June 21, 2020 in Liverpool, England.
John Barnes is seen during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on June 21, 2020 in Liverpool, England.

The Republic of Ireland international is Bruce’s only major signing so far this summer, following on from the free transfer capture of goalkeeper Mark Gillespie.

And despite talk of Rob Holding, Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser popping up on Tyneside, that trio of deals are yet to materialise.

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Barnes, though, thinks the Magpies have nabbed a gem in ex-Burnley man Hendrick.

Speaking to BonusCodeBets, Barnes said: “Coming from Burnley and Sean Dyche means that Jeff Hendrick will bring steel and determination to Newcastle.

"The fans will love him.

"He won't be the main player, but he’s a good signing for the dressing room and to show what a professional should be like.”

Barnes thinks it’s time to forget club politics and takeover talk and concentrate on building on what he believes was far from a ‘bad season’ under Bruce in 2019/20.

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“The fans should get behind the team and not get caught up in the club’s politics,” he said.

"Considering all the uncertainty over Newcastle’s takeover, they didn’t have a bad season. If the players can concentrate on playing rather than worrying about the club’s ownership, and focus on providing some stability on the pitch, that would be good.

"I think Jeff Hendrick is a good signing for them, I’m not saying he’s going to play every week, but in terms of creating some togetherness and determination within the club, he’s a good signing.”