Henderson has been a regular in Sunderland's first team

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes midfielder Jordan Henderson is on the cusp of the full England squad after he was omitted from the under-21 side.

Henderson, 20, has been a regular in Stuart Pearce's side prior to missing out, fuelling speculation of call-up to Fabio Capello's senior pool.

"What we're gathering, he's in with an outstanding chance of being in the squad," Bruce told BBC Newcastle.

"It would be a fantastic achievement for him and people at this club."

Bruce added: "If that's right, it just shows you what football is, 18 months ago he was playing reserve team football and being on-loan at Coventry, to being in the full England squad."

Henderson's adjustment to life in the Premier League has been rapid, having established himself as a key figure in the centre of midfield for Bruce's side this season, after flashes of his ability during 2009-10.

"He is very level-headed, and we must compliment his parents and family life on that," Bruce said of the Sunderland-born midfielder.

"The kid wants to do one thing, which is refreshing, which is to play football, learn and get better, and I've said for a long long time now that there's too many kids that don't want that.

"As long as he keeps improving and keeps his feet on the ground, which we're determined to do, then the kids got a bright future."

Henderson graduated from the Sunderland academy to make his full debut for the club against Chelsea in a 5-0 defeat in November 2008.

Since that time he has made 53 appearances for Sunderland, scoring twice, as well as 13 appearances on loan at Coventry where he scored once.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version