Darren Bent could lead Sunderland today against boyhood idols Arsenal.
Bent could be named as temporary captain in the absence of the suspended Lee Cattermole and is one of the older players in Steve Bruce's team, which, at 24, has the youngest average age in the Premier League this season.
"I feel a bit like one of the daddies of the team," Bent admitted. "It feels like I've been around for flipping ages and I suppose I have. I made my debut for Ipswich 10 years ago!
"There are a few older ones than me in the team but I try to set a good example when I speak to the young lads. It's all about helping people and giving them the best opportunity. You look at the Arsenal team and think that they're all kids, but I suppose it's all about perceptions.
"We've got some fantastic young players in our squad, especially Jordan Henderson, who everybody is talking about. We've been back in the Premier League for a few years now and it's right that we should be looking to kick on, but at the same time we've also got a squad full of young players and there has to be understanding of that.
"But it doesn't change our ambitions. We want to establish ourselves as a regular top-10 team, maybe get to a cup final or two, or even deliver a trophy.
"That would be fantastic for the club and the supporters."
