Hendrick keen to score more with Magpies

JEFF Hendrick has vowed to work hard and improve his goal return at Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old signed a fouryear deal on Monday to complete a free-transfer move following four years in the top flight with Burnley.

The Republic of Ireland international has now joined up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp at Queen Ethelburga’s College, near York.

Although Hendrick has kept himself ticking over in the gym, and by running in a local park, the central midfielder has not played since March.

So his first session on Monday afternoon was an important step for him after meeting his new team-mates for the first time.

Hendrick is already looking forward to the ‘special moment’ of walking out at St James’ Park in a black-and-white shirt.

He will certainly buy into Steve Bruce’s physical demands after years of working under Clarets’ boss Sean Dyche.

Talking about his spell at Burnley after signing a four-year deal, Hendrick said: “We were a hardworking team but that is the minimum you have to do in the Premier League.

“You are going to come up against big teams every week so the least you can do is work hard and I will definitely bring that.

“I have always said I want to score goals and that is something I need to improve myself.

“I feel like I will be able to do that here.”

One of Hendrick’s close friends is a Newcastle fan so he already knew a lot about the club - and the new signing has the ideal teammate in Ciaran Clark to help him settle in.

The pair played together on the big stage at Euro 2016 and it was hardly a surprise Clark was in touch ahead of the deal being confirmed.

Hendrick added: “Clarky gave me a text or two.

“Like I said, it was not much of a decision once Newcastle were fully committed and wanted me.

“I told Clarky a few days ago I would see him pretty soon.”

Jeff Hendrick