Bruce backing prospects

STEVE BRUCE has urged England boss Fabio Capello to consider blooding a couple of Sunderland's rising stars as part of his expected England reshuffle. With Capello facing growing demands to freshen up his squad following a dismal World Cup campaign Bruce reckons the Italian should look no further than Jordan Henderson and Lee Cattermole. Bruce revealed that Capello is already a big admirer of Sunderland-born Henderson after personally checking on the youngster's progress last season. Henderson's breakthrough was one of the highpoints of Sunderland's campaign and if he continues progressing at the current rate Bruce tips his young player of the season to make a similar impact at international level. Lorik Cana's departure to Galatasaray has handed Cattermole a chance to establish his credentials with Bruce admitting the Teessider is a contender to become captain. Reflecting on the Three Lions' flat showing in South Africa, Bruce believes there is plenty of room for improvement and questioned some of Capello's methods. He said: Jesus, they (Henderson and Cattermole) couldn't do any worse that that lot dear oh dear. We struggled past Slovenia who wouldn't get in the second division over here. Maybe were are not as good we think we are. Mexico played us off the park before the World Cup and Japan almost beat us. All of a sudden having two defensive midfielders is a very popular thing. All the top teams play two defensive midfielders and four who just do what they want, basically. Jordan's got a chance, possibly. I know Capello likes him, he really, really likes him. Do we think he'll radically change it though If the team don't know who's playing until two hours before kick-off how do they do any organisation'' In the meantime Bruce is close to agreeing a season's loan deal for Manchester United striker Danny Wellbeck while Daryl Murphy is poised to finalise a move to Celtic and is set to link up with them in America.

Source: Northern_Echo