Derby County midfielder Jeff Hendrick could have been playing for Tottenham Hotspur, if they had listened to Robbie Keane.
Robbie Keane has told Irish publication The 42 that he recommended Jeff Hendrick to Tottenham Hotspur four years ago, but they opted not to listen to his advice.
Keane spotted Derby County midfielder Hendrick’s potential a long time ago, and felt that he would have made a good addition for the White Hart Lane club.
However, Spurs decided to look elsewhere – with Hendrick having to take a different route to prominence.
The Republic of Ireland international midfielder is currently playing for Derby, and his reputation has increased considerably at Euro 2016.
Hendrick has been one of Ireland’s star players over the competition so far, and when asked whether he should be playing at a higher level, Keane said: “I told Tottenham to buy him four years ago and they wouldn’t listen!”
Hendrick has started in all three of Ireland’s Euro 2016 matches so far, as Martin O’Neill’s side made it to the knockout stages.
Hendrick made 38 appearances for Derby last campaign, and he managed to score on two occasions.
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