Source: Northern_Echo
Henderson is spurred on by Giggs memory
JORDAN Henderson's first taste of professional football was being photographed on the shoulders of Ryan Giggs as a three-year-old.[LNB] Giggs and his then Manchester United team-mate David Beckham were the players that Henderson looked up to as a youngster.[LNB] Now 17 years after that holiday snapshot, Giggs is still playing with distinction for United while Henderson could win his first England cap in Wednesday's friendly with France at Wembley.[LNB] The Sunderland midfielder has had a meteoric rise up the footballing ladder but gave another demonstration of his potential in Sunday's shock 3- 0 away win over Chelsea.[LNB] Henderson said: I would say the two people I liked the best when I was young were Giggs and Beckham.[LNB] When I was really young, I met Giggs on holiday, which is a big thing when you are young.[LNB] I'm not sure where it was.[LNB] I just remember my mum has got a picture of me on his shoulders and I was only a baby.[LNB] Giggs and Beckham were the two I looked up to and I liked the way United played.[LNB] I have not tried to emulate anyone as a player. I have liked players and watched them like Beckham and Giggs but I have never tried to play like someone.[LNB] I also like the fact that you see a lot of people in the headlines for the wrong reasons but, with Ryan Giggs, you don't see him in the papers.[LNB] Henderson also has his feet on the ground and is adamant he will not get carried away with his quickfire success.[LNB] He said: Mum and dad, who used to be a policeman, have been a good influence.[LNB] They have brought me up really well, they have always kept my feet on the ground and not let me get carried away.[LNB] My mates have also been good with me since I left school. They used to go out but they would tell me not to which is a good thing.[LNB] I didn't really go out much.[LNB] In any case I had to be back by a certain time, like a curfew.[LNB] I've never drank or smoked and a good night for me is like last night, watching the highlights of the win over Chelsea.[LNB] The only time I go out is at Christmas when the whole team goes out for team bonding and stuff like that. But I still won't drink or anything.[LNB] Away from football, I like music and myself and Darren Bent and a few of the lads play table tennis at the academy.[LNB] That's about it. I go training and go home.[LNB] Henderson admits he was always destined to play for the Black Cats.[LNB] He said: I played for Sunderland since I was seven. I was born in Sunderland, always went to the games.[LNB] There was never a chance of going to Newcastle or Middlesbrough.[LNB] My dad is a Sunderland fan, all my friends are Sunderland fans and I am a Sunderland fan.[LNB] I got asked to go on a trial when I was seven and I have been with them ever since.[LNB] Henderson's form has led to speculation that Sunderland will eventually have to sell him with Manchester United linked with a move.[LNB] He said: I don't think it has affected me. I don't think about it too much.[LNB] My best friend is a Manchester United fan, so he's going what's going on here, then' But he's the only one who gives me a bit of banter about it.[LNB] He probably wants me to join them. I don't know.[LNB]
