Jeff Hendrick believes he is making a step up in swapping Burnley for Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland international did not play for the Clarets on the resumption of the Premier League season in June as his contract wound down.

The 28-year-old elected against signing a new deal and is now building up to a new start with the Magpies after four years at Turf Moor.

Hendrick was keen to emphasis his pride at what the Clarets had achieved during his time in East Lancashire and beyond, but believes his switch to Newcastle sees him join a much bigger club.

He said: “I know people all around the country look down at Burnley just because it’s a little team, little club, little stadium, whatever, but they are a solid Premier League club now.

“They’ve been there for four years, this is going to be their fifth year in a row – they’ve established themselves as a Premier League club, so I don’t want to disrespect that because the manager, the lads, everyone who’s been there over the last few years, as done brilliantly to make that happen.

“But in terms of a club, yes, I think there’s a bit more of a demand from the fans and it’s a massive club in Premier League history, so it probably is a little bit of a step up.”

Having often played out wide for the Clarets, with Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood preferred in the centre by Sean Dyche, Hendrick is also hoping he gets a chance to show what he can do at the heart of the Newcastle midfield.

He said: “I had a great four years a Burnley. I really enjoyed it, we did some great things.

“But for me it was a great challenge probably to get back to playing in the middle where I see myself more as a player.

“There were a few different things. I don’t want to take away how much I enjoyed my time there at Burnley, but I’m 28 now and it was time for something different.”

The former Derby man was linked with a host of clubs before joining Newcastle, including Italian giants AC Milan. And it was more that just speculation according to the Irishman.

Hendrick said: “Yes, there was interest there. I know there was a bit of interest and that was it.

“It was a really nice feeling when I was told they were interested.

“Everyone knows that club, it’s massive, so it gave me a bit of a confidence boost, I have to say.”