Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is not surprised to see the leadership of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

The midfielder came through the ranks at Sunderland when Bruce was in charge.

Henderson inherited the armband from Steven Gerrard, and despite criticisms early on, he is now a Champions League winning captain.

"Jordan grabbed me from the day I walked in at Sunderland, with his personality and his attitude to work," Bruce said to The Mirror.

"It was pre-season and when we did the runs he would be at the front, then drop back and try and help somebody in the middle of the pack.

"Then by the time the run had finished he would be back around the front.

"You couldn't help but be impressed by that.

"I think he'd admit he has never been blessed with real natural ability.

"But he's turned himself into a wonderful athlete and one who has always had this leadership quality about him. He had this will and determination from the time I met him at the age of 18 — and the lads at the academy said the same.

"I don't think after I put him into the team that he ever came out of it."