Source: Northern_Echo
Starlet backed for a call
JORDAN HENDERSON'S performances in the heart of Sunderland's midfield should earn him an international call-up according to teammate and former England Under-21 striker Fraizer Campbell.[LNB] Darren Bent aims to impress Fabio Capello against Brazil at senior level this weekend and Henderson has been backed to be offered an opportunity to shine for England's junior side.[LNB] Stuart Pearce's team are in European Championship qualifying action against Portugal on Saturday as part of their bid to reach the 2011 tournament in Denmark.[LNB] And Campbell, who netted four times in 14 appearances for the Under-21s, believes that Henderson's ability to plug the gap left by the injured Lee Cattermole deserves to be acknowledged at international level.[LNB] Henderson has made one appearance for England's Under-19 side and Campbell has called on Pearce to offer his club-mate a chance to make the next step on the international ladder.[LNB] Jordan definitely has to be in with a shout of playing for the Under-21s,'' he admitted.[LNB] He's been playing Premier League football regularly in the last few weeks, and there aren't too many teenagers who can say that. He's been doing really well for us, so I can't really understand why he hasn't had the call up yet.[LNB] I'm sure it's only a matter of time though because I'm sure the England coaching staff are aware of him and watching him. He's only 19, so I'm sure his time will come.[LNB] Henderson faces competition from the likes of Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba, Fabian Delph from Aston Villa and Manchester City youngster Michael Johnson for a place in Pearce's team.[LNB] Ironically, Cattermole's absence until the New Year could boost Henderson's international ambitions.[LNB] Steve Bruce has admitted that Cattermole's lay-off has left a huge gap in his squad but concerns it would fatally weaken Sunderland's midfield have been allayed by Henderson's impressive form in recent weeks.[LNB] With Lorik Cana suspended from last Saturday's defeat at White Hart Lane, Campbell noted the Fencehouse-born midfielder's ability to step into the breach.[LNB] There was a lot of pressure put on his shoulders because Lorik and Lee were missing, but I thought he handled that well,'' said Campbell.[LNB] He was the only real central midfielder that we had, but I thought he produced a really mature performance.[LNB] I'm sure that his England call will come.[LNB] Campbell played in a right wing berth at Tottenham and admitted: That's a job I think I'm capable of doing, but it would obviously be nice to be playing up front in the Arsenal game.[LNB] I'd like to be up there partnering Darren, but if the manager decides he wants me to play on the right of midfield again, that will obviously be okay.[LNB] Sunderland's fixtures at Everton and at home to Stoke City have been selected as televised games.[LNB] The Black Cats will be in front of the Sky Sports cameras when they travel to Goodison Park for an 8pm start on Wednesday, January 27.[LNB] Their home encounter against Stoke City has now been rescheduled for live coverage on ESPN at 8pm on Monday, February 1.[LNB] The Stoke switch, however, is dependent on any potential FA Cup fourth round replay.[LNB]
