Source: Northern_Echo
‘Jordan could be rested’
SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce admitted he was toying with the idea of taking Jordan Henderson out of the firing line after his side's 3-2 defeat at Wolves.[LNB] The 20-year-old playmaker has been one of several success stories at the Stadium of Light this term and his sparkling form was recognised by England boss Fabio Capello who rewarded the Wearsider with his first international cap in the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to France earlier this month.[LNB] But Black Cats boss Bruce acknowledged Henderson was a little flat during the Wearsiders' Premier League game at Molineux and revealed he is contemplating leaving out his young midfield star for Sunderland's visit to Fulham next weekend.[LNB] He's had a wonderful 18 months and it might be time for the boy to take a rest,[LNB] said Bruce. But he's been fantastic for 18 months.[LNB] When Bruce was quizzed on the reason behind the youngster's loss of form, he replied: The whole England thing could have caught up with him, but we'll see how he is in a week.[LNB] One player almost certain to start at Craven Cottage on Saturday is Danny Welbeck.[LNB] The on-loan striker was one of the few highlights in a below-par performance against Wolves. Welbeck was full of running during the disappointing contest and celebrated his 20th birthday by putting the Black Cats into a 2-1 lead.[LNB] Unfortunately his 77th minute goal, a fourth strike in only three matches, wasn't enough to prevent a loss.[LNB] But it wasn't just Welbeck's fine header that caught the eye. His all-round display provided further evidence of his burgeoning talent and a new found maturity since his continual inclusion in the Black Cats' first team line-up.[LNB] Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand agrees.[LNB] He's playing with confidence and football is a confidence game, said Ferdinand.[LNB] If you're confident, you're going to play well and he's playing with confidence at the moment and getting a run in the team. When you get that, you've got a great chance to show what you can do and he's doing that.[LNB] My brother said to me, maybe three-and-a-half years ago, that there was a lad at Man U named Danny Welbeck and he's going to be a player.[LNB] He's got to be England class, ask my brother. Since he's come to Sunderland I've been very impressed by him.[LNB] He hasn't disappointed me in any way, shape or form, considering that's come from the England captain.[LNB]
