Jordan Henderson to get a chance to shine

Oct 20 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

But he also added: “I just thought of Henderson’s ability in the middle of park and his energy because we had to get after them.”

It is to the youngster’s immense credit that the outstanding Cana was not missed in midfield during the second half, and a big reason why Henderson – rather than new signing Boudewijn Zenden – is favourite to start there at Birmingham City on Saturday.

Cattermole is unavailable after being told by specialists yesterday he can expect to be out for up to three months after twisting his knee against the Reds. Jones also left the game on a stretcher and although Sunderland’s worst fears were allayed, he still may not make the trip to the West Midlands.

“Fortunately, the X-rays showed no break, but Kenwyne’s still very sore and I would rate him as 50-50 for the Birmingham game,” Bruce told his club’s official website.

However, the manager believes goalkeeper Craig Gordon is getting back to his best form after nearly 12 months of injury problems.

“He had to make one save (against Liverpool) and the contribution was a double save and he did it fanatically well,” he said. “He had a bad time here last year, came back with an injury, and it maybe took a chunk out of his confidence.

“But at the moment he looks like a really top, top goalkeeper, very assured, very calm.”

The Black Cats have reportedly offered a new contract to Nosworthy, whose current deal expires this summer.

Meanwhile, Mike Jones, who incorrectly allowed Darren Bent’s eighth goal of the season to stand despite it going in off a Liverpool-branded beach ball, will not referee in the Premier League this week, having been handed Saturday’s Championship game between Peterborough United and Scunthorpe United. Chris Foy will be in the middle at Birmingham.

And defender Jean-Yves Mvoto has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hip injury which has delayed his return to Southend United. The 21-year-old Frenchman was on loan with the League One club with club-mate Roy O’Donovan until the latter was sent back from his unsuccessful spell at the weekend.