If Newcastle boss Steve Bruce was keeping an eye on the international fixtures over the weekend, then his eye would surely have been caught by Jeff Hendrick's latest disaster.

The Magpies' summer signing from Burnley endured a nightmare for the Republic of Ireland last month, and on Sunday, against Wales, delivered yet another shocker.

Aside from getting sent off in the final few moments of Ireland's 1-0 defeat in their UEFA Nations League clash, the 28-year-old had a hugely disappointing game overall.

As per Sofascore, he lost every single duel that he was involved in over the course of the match, and made no tackles, interceptions or clearances whatsoever.

He wasn't much of an influential presence going forward either, failing to hit the target with both of his attempts on goal, and providing no key passes too.

It led to The Chronicle's Mark Douglas to admit that Hendrick had a "miserable" showing, with Ireland fans equally furious with their midfielder's abject display.

With the Premier League returning this weekend, Bruce surely has no choice but to finally drop the Irishman from his starting eleven and taking him out of the firing line for now.

After starting the new campaign in fine fashion for his new side with a goal and an assist against West Ham, things have turned around fast for Hendrick, not managing a single goal contribution since.

With players like Isaac Hayden waiting in the wings, Hendrick's international shocker has surely made Bruce's decision for him this coming Saturday against Chelsea.

It's time for Hendrick to be dropped to the bench for the first time in the Premier League this season.