Loan stars could follow Jordan Henderson

Nov 10 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

STEVE Bruce is hoping Martyn Waghorn and Jack Colbeck will follow in the footsteps of Jordan Henderson when they return to Sunderland from Championship loan spells.

Henderson has thrilled Bruce since he took over as manager. Having benefited from a temporary switch to Coventry City at the end of last season, the youngster from East Herrington has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the Premier League this term.

And, having sent Waghorn on loan to Championship surprise package Leicester City and Colbeck to be reunited with former Sunderland boss Roy Keane at struggling Ipswich Town, Bruce is confident both Academy graduates will come back to challenge for a first-team place at the Stadium of Light.

As skipper of Manchester United when the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Paul Scholes became the best young players in English football, Bruce knows the importance of a successful youth set-up – and realises he is extremely fortunate to have inherited such a promising bunch as Black Cats boss.

“I don’t think that there is anything better than seeing local lads come through from the youth team as we have seen with Jordan Henderson this season,” Bruce said.

“I am hoping that Waghorn and Colbeck, when they come back at Christmas, or we leave them there for another year, will make a similar impact.

“They will certainly come back into the squad and with a year under their belt in the Championship, a bit like Jordan, then it should not do them any harm. I am a big believer in that, go away, grow up and find out what the real world is like.

“So we have those two to come back and look forward to.

“Honestly, there is nothing better for a club than a local lad coming through and doing great. We have got a few more because the Academy system here is terrific.

“They work extremely hard at it and I’ve been very lucky to find that in place here.”