Bruce: I nearly dropped Henderson

STEVE BRUCE last night revealed just how close he came to leaving match-winner Jordan Henderson out of the Sunderland side, which maintained its quest for a top 10 finish with another win.

Henderson scored the only goal of the game at a sub-zero Stadium of Light, but it was only down to a late reprieve that the midfielder figured. Bruce was ready to leave the 20-year-old out of his side until he impressed in training towards the end of last week.

The homegrown product, who won his first England cap against France last month, admitted to under-performing in the Black Cats' last two matches.