Jordan Henderson is warned: It can still go wrong

Nov 19 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“If young lads knuckle down and enjoy training then you won’t go far wrong, but it’s a tough league to establish yourself in.”

Given Sunderland’s pursuit of two new full-backs, Bardsley also has much to prove to Bruce this season, but the 24-year-old has never been one to shirk a challenge.

And he feels it will be a similar story for Darren Bent after the striker failed to grab the spotlight following his international recall against Brazil last weekend.

A lack of goals or goalscoring chances against the Brazilians has led many to write him off as a World Cup prospect.

But Bardsley disagrees, and hopes that England manager Fabio Capello has seen enough to give him another opportunity before naming his squad for South Africa.

He explained: “It was a tough game for Darren to play Brazil in Doha, in hot temperatures.

“I didn’t actually see it because I was away, but I have played with Benty for the last few months and I have got to know his game, if he gets chances he will score.

“If he misses chances he will just do the same, he will keep going and going and he won’t let his head drop.

“It was like when he missed the penalty against Tottenham, he just keeps going and nothing fazes him.

“He will step up again and take the next one, that’s just how he is. That’s just the type of character he is, he doesn’t stop smiling.

“He deserved his chance to play for England and hopefully he will get more.

“It would be unfair to judge him on Saturday alone.

“I think he will get another chance, all he needs to do is concentrate on turning in the sort of performances he has been for us.

“There’s no reason why he can’t be one of the four strikers that Fabio Capello takes to the World Cup.

“It’s all about finding the partner for Rooney, that’s the one. I’m sure Benty will score more goals and that will help his cause.”