Henderson staying positive

Henderson: Working hard

Jordan Henderson admits he can perform better for Sunderland, but is confident he can live up expectations.

The highly-rated 19-year-old has been drafted into the Black Cats fold over recent weeks to help cover the loss of Lee Cattermole to injury.

The youngster has performed admirably in the absence of the combative England U21 international, but has been unable to prevent Steve Bruce's side from slipping to three defeats in their last four outings.

Henderson feels he has adjusted quickly to the hustle and bustle of life in the Premier League, but believes there is still much more to come from him in the future.

"I feel I have not played as well as I can in the last couple of games. That goes throughout the team," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"But I am still working hard and I still have a positive attitude towards being in the first team.

"People have said perhaps I'm tired and need a rest, but I don't feel that. I know I have not played as well, but my stats are still up there and I think I need to keep focusing on the good things I was doing before.

"Whatever the gaffer decides to do, I will always respect."