JEFF Hendrick believes he is learning all the time as he demonstrates his flexibility to Burnley boss Sean Dyche.

The Republic of Ireland international has forced his way into the side this season after impressing in a variety of midfield roles for the Clarets.

The 27-year-old will be looking to make his mark again at Bramall Lane today as Dyche’s men look to get back to winning ways against Sheffield United.

“I think playing in all these different positions is all part of learning,” said Hendrick, who has two goals in seven Premier League appearances so far this season.  I get to learn a bit more – for example if I’m playing in the middle I know what a right winger would want in how to receive the ball – I know that from playing out there.

“It is tough to get used to but hopefully it’s helping my game.”

Hendrick is more known for playing in the middle but he was out wide again for the defeat against Chelsea with Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood having largely been the preferred pair in the centre.

That does not make him a winger though, far from it, as he explains.

“It’s different. I played there last year from February onwards and I had to get used to it,” Hendrick said.

“I know I’m not a wide player. I play tucked in and try and let Lowts (Matthew Lowton) go along the outside.

“It’s different to what I’m used to, but I’ve played a few different positions now and it’s all good for me – being versatile and playing wherever I’m put.”

The trip to face the Blades sees Hendrick, Robbie Brady and Kevin Long go up against some of their international team-mates.

John Egan, Enda Stevens, David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson are all also in Mick McCarthy’s initial squad for the games against New Zealand and Denmark later this month, the latter a crunch Euro 2020 qualifier.

“We were all delighted when they got promoted,” Hendrick said of the Blades, who finished second in the Championship last season. 

“They’re part of our squad and we want them to do well, but I definitely don’t want them to do well on Saturday.

“As long as they don’t pick up any knocks and we get the result we want – we will hopefully do well in the Ireland games.”

Hendrick has been impressed with what he’s seen so far from Chris Wilder’s men who sit eighth in the table having impressed on their return to the top flight 10 games in.

“I think they’ve had a good start,” he said.

“We watched a lot of them last year as well – the same group really – and they’ve carried on that momentum and winning feeling.

“They’ve come into the Premier League and they’re not fearing anyone. They’re playing the same way with energy and I think they’re doing well.

“I think people thought they couldn’t do it for the whole season last year, but they did and got promoted.  They’ve gone about their business in the exact same way this year, so it doesn’t surprise when they’ve picked up points against the bigger teams.”