BURNLEY midfielder Jeff Hendrick has backed Robbie Brady to play a big part for the Republic of Ireland once again.

The winger is back in Mick McCarthy's squad for the crunch Euro 2020 qualifier against Denmark on Monday, the Irish knowing victory in Dublin will see them automatically reach the finals next summer.

Ireland first face Chris Wood's New Zealand on Thursday, Brady likely to get some game-time having not played for his country this season due to injury.

Hendrick may however sit the friendly out ahead of the key game against the Danes.

The pair have been important figures for Ireland in recent years, Hendrick winning 53 caps and Brady 45 and look set to be mainstays for years to come.

"Robbie has been fit for a good bit of time now," Hendrick said.

"He was unfortunate he didn’t make the last squad, but he’s kept his head up and worked hard and kept himself ready.

"Thankfully, he’s in the squad now. He can be a big player for our country – he has been in the past.

"He’s played four games for us in the group and scored a goal, so hopefully he can get another one for us."

Hendrick says his midfield colleague has been unlucky this season with a rib injury, Brady making just the six Premier League appearances this season with only one coming from the start for Sean Dyche's side.

 "The injury was tough – he was flying right before it," said the 27-year-old. 

"It takes a while – you seem to pick up little niggles here and there when you’re coming back from an injury like that.

"It was difficult for him to get going and he needed a run of games and it’s hard.

"We started playing well again and picked up points at that time, so it was tough for him to get in.

"Now, he’s looking very sharp and like he was before the injury, so I’m hoping he can bring it into games."