The Ireland U-19 International made his first appearance of the season for Derby today, coming on at half-time. He imposed himself well by all accounts.

Mark O'Brien completed 90 minutes in the absence of Russell Anderson as Derby kept a clean sheet.

Edited by Sloop John G - 13 Aug 2011 at 3:22pm

Gob bless Jeff

Say nothing till you hear more

Henf.airy could be in line for a first Rams start

NIGEL Clough may give Republic of Ireland under-21 midfielder Jeff Henf.airy his first start in a Derby County shirt tonight.

The 19-year-old was excellent after he came on at half-time during Saturday’s 1- 0 win at Watford.

And with James Bailey (ankle) and Stephen Pearson (abdomen) unlikely to be fit for tomorrow’s trip to face Blackpool, kick-off 8pm, Henf.airy is in line to win his first start.

Clough said: “I’d have no worries about starting Jeff — and have not got many options.

“I thought Jeff did brilliantly for 45 minutes on Saturday.

“We’ve only seen him for training for two days out of the last four weeks (because of his international commitments).

“So we had to introduce him to the lads at half-time!” Henf.airy has made six substitute appearances so far for Derby after coming through the club’s Academy, but is yet to start a match.

His fellow young Irishman, Mark O’Brien, 18, is also earning rave reviews after making his first start on Saturday.

Clough said: “Mark and Jason (Shackell) got us the result on Saturday.” Steve Davies, meanwhile, says he is unhappy with his form — despite scoring the winning goals in the first two league matches.

He said: “I’ve been a bit disappointed with how I’ve played in the last two games, but thankfully I’ve managed to stick it in the net.

“I think strikers are judged on the goals they score, but on a personal level I wish I’d played better in the last two games.” Davies now wants to continue finding the net to nail down a regular spot in Derby’s first-team.

He said: “It’s always nice to be a striker and score goals, and that’s what I’m going for.

“I think if the fans see I’ve got us two victories with two goals, they will be happy.”

Burton Mail

Edited by Sloop John G - 16 Aug 2011 at 11:39am

where is the irish connection here lads?

traphasntaclue2 wrote:

where is the irish connection here lads?

Was on the recent euro u19 team that lost in the semi to spain

traphasntaclue2 wrote:

how does he qualify to play for us?

Being born in Dublin Smile

Edited by JoeyLapira - 18 Aug 2011 at 5:14pm

Henf.airy has move on from the U/19s and was with the U21 side that played in Sligo a few weeks ago. Was wondering a lad called Henf.airy used to play in the LOI for Dundalk way back in the 70s is their a connection.

alive and kicking

scored today against forest in a 2-1 for derby

High praise here too: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Everton-s-Ross-Barkley-Hull-s-Robbie-Brady-and-Derby-s-Jeff-Hendrick-are-the-brightest-talents-around-article799826.html

One of the things we all love about Kevin Keegan is his sheer enthusiasm whenever he spots a good young player. And when I mentioned Hull winger Robbie Brady to him the other day, the legend's eyes brightened.

“Do you know what, I've been watching him too,” said KK. “That lad's got something.”

I'd say that Irishman Brady, who's at the Tigers on loan from Manchester United, has got everything. He is one of three youngsters who have really impressed me so far this season.

Another is fellow Dubliner Jeff Hendrick, a strong midfielder who's making Derby fans forget all about me!

And the third is 17-year-old Ross Barkley, who has cut through the gloom at Everton. He's got the potential to be one of the finest the Goodison school of science has ever produced.