'Maybe I shouldn't say this with my Newcastle hat on...': Steve Bruce has this to say over ex-Sunderland star Jordan Henderson

Steve Bruce has backed former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson to be crowned as the Premier League’s player of the season – having admitted he takes ‘huge satisfaction’ from watching his rise.
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Bruce handed a teenage Henderson a chance in the Black Cats’ first-team during his time at the Stadium of Light and has followed his career closely ever since.

And while his allegiances may now lie with Sunderland's bitter rivals, the Newcastle United boss believes that Henderson – who captained Liverpool to the title this season – should be crowned as the top flight’s player of the season.

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"I might be a bit biased because I gave him his debut, and maybe I shouldn’t say this with my Newcastle hat on, but Jordan Henderson gives me huge satisfaction,” he said.

Steve BruceSteve Bruce
Steve Bruce

"Watching what he’s done and achieved, and with those leadership skills he’s got, I’ll go with Jordan.”

“One of the most enjoyable parts of the job is seeing a young fella who you give a debut to or you buy and see them progress,” he continued.

“Certainly Jordan – look, he had all the traits of leadership when he was 18. That's why I put him in the team.

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“I remember him right out in front in the running and dropping back to try to help people who were struggling a bit with a little few words, even when he was 18.

“It's the pleasing aspect of the job and when I see him now lifting the Premier League trophy, captain of Liverpool, captain of England, I'm absolutely delighted.”