Jeff Hendrick has found starting opportunities hard to come by for Derby County of late.
Derby County manager Paul Clement has told the Derby Telegraph that Jeff Hendrick impressed him with his performance against Brentford.
The Rams beat the Bees 2-0 in their most recent outing, to pick up their first victory in front of their own fans this season.
And Clement was especially pleased with the display of Hendrick, who was recalled to the side’s starting line-up after spending most his time on the substitutes’ bench in the early part of the campaign.
“I was really pleased with his performance,” Clement said.
“That is what you want from your players who are not starting.
“Jeff was disappointed not to start in the previous two games but came on and was really positive in both.
“He then got his opportunity and he played really well. That is the kind of response you want.”
Hendrick was forced out of Derby’s team by deadline day addition Jacob Butterfield, but he seems to have won his place back now.
The 23-year-old will be hoping to stay involved, too, as he has proven his quality in the Championship over a number of seasons.
Hendrick has been a key player for Derby over the past four years, but the competition for places in Clement’s team is fierce this season.
Hendrick is competing with the likes of George Thorne, Bradley Johnson, Chris Baird, Craig Bryson and the aforementioned Butterfield for a place in central midfield, and he will have to keep his performance levels high if he is to remain in the starting line-up.
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