IN HIS DREAMS, Jeff Hendrick never imagined that he could be lining up against a great like Andrea Pirlo at the age of 22.
Even now, he’s taking nothing for granted.
With James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson all ruled out of Saturday’s friendly against Italy, Hendrick is a prime candidate to start in the centre of Ireland’s midfield.
If he comes up against Pirlo, Marchisio, Montolivo or Motta in Craven Cottage, he won’t be cowed.
The young Dubliner may only have four senior caps but he has already tested himself against some of the world’s best — including Spain’s Xavi and Andres Iniesta in New York last summer.
He’s full of confidence too after a domestic campaign in which he helped Derby County to the brink of Premier League promotion, only to narrowly miss out in an agonising play-off defeat against QPR.
It’s a strong CV for a young player but after flying in to Ireland camp with Rams team-mates Richard Keogh and Conor Sammon last night, his main focus is to learn and impress.
“It’d be nice,” he said when asked about the prospect of playing Italy, ”but it’s all about training.
“I’ve got to do well in training and we’ll see when it comes to the games.
“Last year was good, we played some great teams, and I’ve the same opportunity again this year.
I’ve just got to train well and if I get a chance against them I’ve got to try my best. They’re big players and obviously it would be exciting to play against them.
Derby’s promotion pain was seen most clearly in Richard Keogh’s tears after the final whistle at Wembley as he came to terms with the late mistake that handed QPR a dramatic win.
“Obviously he was sad after the game,” Hendrick said, “but we have helped pick him back up and he’s all right now. He got out there and trained and it takes his mind off it.
“He will be all right. He has been great for us all year and we need him to do the same next year.
“I’m sure he will get it out of his mind and be looking forward to next year.”
Hendrick’s contract at Pride Park runs until the end of next season and while negotiations are still ongoing, he’s clearly happy to be getting regular football and learning from club boss Steve McClaren.
With two excellent international tutors in Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane, he has no shortage of role models.
No wonder he’s so eager to put it all into practice.
“I’ve always said that it’s all about playing. It doesn’t matter where I am, once I’m playing at club level.
“It’s a bonus getting into these [international] squads. The main thing for me while I’m young is just to keep improving and try to play as regularly as I can.”
