Newcastle United claim made as former Leeds United man offers verdict on Reading FC transfer

Jeff Hendrick has been backed to be a "good signing" for Paul Ince and Reading after joining from Newcastle United.

The Republic of Ireland international has joined the Royals on a season-long loan move, with Hendrick making a good early impression in Berkshire after scoring twice in his first three games for the club in pre-season. He netted on Tuesday night in a 2-0 win against AFC Wimbledon, having also scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Maidenhead United on the same day he signed.

The 30-year-old is vastly experienced at Championship level, having made more than 200 appearances in the second tier during the early part of his career with Derby County and a loan stint with Queens Park Rangers last term. He has also played almost 150 times in the Premier League for Burnley and Newcastle United.

Hendrick has also played 74 times at senior international level for the Republic of Ireland and former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer feels he will prove to be a shrewd acquisition for Reading this term.

Palmer told Football League World: “He’s gone on a season-long loan from Newcastle. He’s got plenty of experience at Championship level and above, so it’s a good signing for Paul Ince.

“He knows the game, he’s played that level, he knows it’s rough and tumble and you’ve got to be aggressive and you’ve got to play games. So, it’s another good signing. “These players, have got something to prove, you know, Shane Long’s been released by Southampton. Jeff [Hendrick] will not have a future at Newcastle because of the route Newcastle are taking now.”

Hendrick is one of seven players to arrive at Reading this summer, with Joe Lumley, Tom Ince, Dean Bouzanis, Tyrese Fornah, Long, and Sam