Bardsley warns Sunderland tyro Henderson of pitfalls ahead

Sunderland fullback Phil Bardsley has warned young teammate Jordan Henderson not to get carried away with his early success.

Bardsley once believed he would go on to become a regular in the Manchester United team having progressed with distinction through the Red Devils Academy system.

But the full-back never made the grade at Old Trafford and has only established himself at Sunderland through hard work, grit and determination – and he expects Henderson to show the same.

“Jordan is another one who, when he is on the pitch, he is a winner,” Bardsley told The Journal.

“He has come through the Academy and he has had that instilled in him from Kevin Ball.

“Jordan’s attitude has been spot on and he has done himself and his family proud.

“He is an energetic lad, he can play and get about the pitch. He shows no fear and if he keeps showing the performances he has

done then he will have a terrific career.

“It’s up to him to look after himself and he has to make sure he does not get dragged away from the direction he is heading in. You need consistency and determination to carry on where you have left off.

“Some players think they have played ten or 15 games and think they have cracked it. That’s not the case. When you have played 150 games, 200 then maybe you’re getting there."