Former Sunderland coach Ricky Sbragia has recalled how close Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was from not landing a pro deal as a teen.
Sbragia was Sunderland's first-team coach when Henderson was breaking through at the Stadium of Light. But it nearly never happened for the Wearsider.
Sbragia said: “There was one professional contract still to be handed out, and it was a straight choice between three of the academy lads.
“The night before the decision had to be made, it still hadn't been decided. As I left for home, I didn't have a clue which one would get the nod.
“When I came back in the following day, Jordan had been chosen. What swung it for him? The attitudes that you see today – the ones that have made him such a success. It just goes to show how thin the dividing line is."