Henderson sure Sunderland will build on draw

JORDAN HENDERSON believes that Sunderland's battling 0-0 draw at Arsenal can act as a catalyst for a renewed push at European qualification. The Black Cats halted a four-match losing streak with the stalemate at the Emirates and Henderson, who dismissed reports linking him away from the club at the weekend, was one of Sunderland's plus points after a tough spell for the midfielder. Henderson said: "It wasn't a victory, but it was very important we ended the run of defeats and there aren't many better places to get a draw than the Emirates. It can act as a catalyst, definitely. "Last season we had a slump that went on for months, but we've got another little break now and then a home game against Liverpool to look forward to.'' Henderson's loss of form led to calls for the 20-year-old to be rested, but he said: "I want to play in every game, week in, week out. I don't want a rest. I know the manager has talked about giving me one, but I'm happy to keep on playing. We've talked about it but I've told him I want to carry on playing. "I was a little tired at the end against Arsenal, but that was just because I'd worked so hard in the game to close them down. "I've just had a week off so I don't need a rest. That was all the break I needed. We've got a few days off again this week because we haven't got a game next weekend so there is no need for me to have a rest." Henderson has been a constant in the centre of the park for Sunderland since breaking into the first team last season, and the youngster believes he has largely escaped 'second season syndrome' despite his dip in form over winter. He said: "I do feel I've improved this season. I'm a better player than I was 12 months ago. It has been another great season for me. "I've had some ups and downs along the way, but it's all part of my development. I've coped OK with the second season thing. I'm improving every day, that is what I'm aiming to do.'' Henderson's success has inevitably brought interest from other Premier League clubs, and links to Manchester United and City have followed the midfielder around ever since his call-up to the senior England squad in November - but the only club on his mind is Sunderland. He said: "I'm enjoying myself at Sunderland, I'm not looking to leave. "I'm playing every week in the Premier League and that's all I've ever dreamed of doing. I'm young and I'm playing for Sunderland, it's something I love doing. "I just want to keep doing that, keep improving, keep getting better as a player. I'm not thinking about going anywhere else at the moment. "I do need to score more goals. I think that is the big weakness in my game. It's the one aspect I've been disappointed with this season. I think I need to get into some better positions, take a risk more. "It is something I'm working on and I'm sure it will come."

Source: Northern_Echo