One of the great shames of the Irish football year in 2016 was being deprived of the chance to see Alan Judge play at the Euros. Judge was magnificent for Brentford in the Championship last season: he scored 14 goals in 39 games and ended up in the Championship Team of the Year.
The year ended in dismay, however, with Judge suffering a hideous leg break in a game against Ipswich Town, just a month after making his Ireland debut: in the 1-0 friendly win against Switzerland.
Judge is still out injured until November, but his performances have caught the eye of Rafa Benitez, who wants to take him to Newcastle, per Mark Douglas:
So #nufc in for Alan Judge. Will be back in early November, I understand. Should still play 30 games
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) August 23, 2016
Still some negotiating to be done with Brentford I reckon. But he'll defo be back to full fitness long before Christmas
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) August 23, 2016
Judge is expected to arrive for a medical later today:
Alan Judge of Brentford expected to arrive in Newcastle this afternoon for talks and potential medical #NUFC
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 23, 2016
Judge was the main man at Brentford, but if he can force his way into a Newcastle side that will probably be promoted, then it will be a very, very good move for him. Plus, any Irish international training under Rafa Benitez will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the national side.
Judge will swell the ranks of Irishmen signed by Benitez, as Ciaran Clark arrived from Aston Villa in July. Clark has played in each of Newcastle's last two games: a 4-1 against Reading and a 1-0 victory against Bristol City.
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