Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce backs Henderson to learn from England debut
HE might have endured the frustration of earning his first cap on a disappointing night against France, but Jordan Henderson has been urged to use the experience to become one of the country's best midfielders for years to come.[LNB] Sunderland manager Steve Bruce feels the 20-year-old possesses all of the credentials and characteristics to become an international star after a steady rather than inspiring debut for England.[LNB] But Bruce has suggested that promising young players should not be targeted unfairly after a first appearance at Wembley arrives when England are given the run-around by the opposition.[LNB] While Henderson played in a similar system to that he has spent the majority of this season playing in for Sunderland, he did not have the freedom to drive forward from his central midfield role which he has enjoyed at club level.[LNB] That has led to criticism being hurled in his direction, something Bruce feels is unjustified and unfair.[LNB] Jordan had a difficult evening, of course he did, but he did okay and he stuck at it as best he could. He did no better or worse than anyone else, said the Sunderland manager.[LNB] He shouldn't have any critics.[LNB] Anybody who has seen him over the last 18 months knows we've got a fantastic young player. Nobody should be beating him with a stick just yet he was as good as anybody.[LNB] Why pick him out Probably because he was the youngest one of the lot. It's typical of us though we were clamouring for young talent and that's where it is. He has to be strong. I'm sure he will be and learn from it, because that's what football is.[LNB] That's my big issue with the whole thing. You throw a young lad in there and then end up hitting him with a stick very, very quickly. He is a strong lad.[LNB] As Sunderland do not play until Monday when Everton travel to the Stadium of Light, Henderson will have a little more time than usual to recover from his international exertions.[LNB] Bruce had a chat with the Academy product yesterday and he will train again tomorrow after being given today off.[LNB] Regardless of the reaction to his performance for England, being thrust in to the spotlight like that undoubtedly raises his profile and increases the possibility of a Champions League club upping their interest.[LNB] Bruce fears the day will come when Henderson demands to join a team capable of winning the Premier League, but for now he is confident there is no rush from him to turn his back on the club that has groomed his talent.[LNB] If he goes to one of the big four, is he going to be playing week in week out said Bruce, aware of strong interest from Manchester City.[LNB] The one thing he has in his locker here is that he's playing every week. When I have to have that conversation with him, I'll have it. At the moment, Jordan just wants to play.[LNB] I will do my utmost to ensure we hang on to him and that includes January, next summer. There will be a time when he knocks on my door and says Steve, I want to go and win the Premier League'.[LNB] That's normal. But for me the next two to three years are the most important thing.[LNB] He added: He's a Sunderland boy, his pals and family are from Sunderland and I don't think he's got any intentions of leaving. I'd be mortified if he did. I honestly don't think he will be.[LNB] In two years' time, then he's played three or four years in the Premier League, and hopefully got to a level we can get him to, and I'd understand ... Of course, we want to get to the top at this club ourselves, that's what we want to achieve, but I'm a realist.[LNB] Bruce, who has been encouraged by Darren Bent's fitness in the last couple of days since his return to training after a hamstring problem, is satisfied Henderson will reach the heights he has the potential to.[LNB] But the Sunderland boss admits there remains room for improvement.[LNB] He is 18 months into his run in the first team and the next two years are vital for him in his development. He isn't Steven Gerrard yet, or Frank Lampard, said Bruce.[LNB] What's got to improve His heading has got to improve, certainly for a top midfield player and not this holding[LNB] one. You've got to let him get forward and let him use the ability and energy he's got and don't restrict him. To do that, he's got to add goals to his game. He's always been able to get a few and I'm sure he will do.[LNB]
