Loan stars could follow Jordan Henderson

Nov 10 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Bruce is adamant that Henderson should have been included in the England Under-21 squad after a sparkling start to the season on Wearside.

And, given his mature performance in front of Fabio Capello against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, the 19-year-old will almost certainly be in Stuart Pearce’s next get-together. Sunderland’s manager has also been keeping a close eye on the development of Waghorn and Colbeck.

And Bruce insisted that both will benefit from the experience they are getting in the Championship – even if they are at opposite ends of the table.

Keane knew all about tenacious midfielder Colbeck from his time as manager.

And Waghorn has been seen as an excellent prospect for years, prompting plenty of interest in the young striker over the summer.

Bruce added: “The reports we have had on Waghorn and Colbeck are very very good.

“Waghorn is at the top end of the division and Jack is at the other end, but they are both playing first-team football and learning what it is all about.

“Leicester are doing extremely well and Waghorn scored against Reading the other week. Reports are very encouraging and it can only do him a world of good.

“It is a different sort of experience for Jack at Ipswich because they are nearer the bottom, but he will benefit from it all the same.

“It has not gone as well as he expected, but he has played at least half a dozen games which can only be good for his development as a Sunderland player in the long term.”