Steve Bruce is calling for high workrate

Nov 4 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“You get more involved in the game, to be honest, you get more chances to show what you can do. I’m enjoying playing there at the minute.”

He credits the manager’s faith as part of the reason why he was able to bounce back from a disappointing display at Birmingham with two stirring performances against Aston Villa and West Ham.

“I am delighted with the ways things are going,” he added. “I’ve taken a lot of experience out of the last few weeks, although I was disappointed with how things went against Birmingham – both in terms of my personal performance and also the team.

“But last week against both Aston Villa and West Ham I thought we responded well.

“Obviously Catts is a great player – his are big boots to fill. But I’ve just gone out and played the best that I can – given it my best shot and striving to repay the gaffer for the faith that he has shown in me.”

Henderson’s rise to prominence has vindicated the faith that Bruce has shown in the teenager.

The Black Cats boss sanctioned the sale of Grant Leadbitter and the loan of Teemu Tainio in the belief that Henderson could cut it at Premier League level.

And on early evidence, the Corbridge-born boss has been proved right.

“Steve Bruce has been brilliant from the moment he came into the club,” said Henderson.

“You look at the players he’s brought in – the club is a lot stronger for them and in a better position because of it.

“We haven’t done anything yet – we need to keep our heads down and keep working because it’ll only be at the end of the season when we can really see how far we’ve come.”