Henderson hints towards United over City switch

Jordan Henderson still shares pin-up duties at his parents' home with Ryan Giggs.

But the Sunderland midfielder is hoping a new photo of him wearing an England shirt for the first time will take pride of place after tomorrow night.

Henderson, a member of the next generation being groomed at under-21 level by Stuart Pearce, is still trying to come to terms with a possible full Wembley debut against France.

And the youngster, whose terrific first time pass set up Sunderland's vital second goal in the shock win over Chelsea, admitted playing for Fabio Capello might bring around a change in the family sitting room for parents Liz and Brian.

Henderson said: "When I was really young, when I was a baby, I met Ryan Giggs with my mum and dad.

"I cannot even remember where it was, but I can remember the picture my mum had with me on his shoulders and she's still got it at their house.

"So far I've never asked him if he remembers it and the first time I played against him I didn't have the nerve to say anything to him."

Henderson looked nerveless at Stamford Bridge, explaining why Steve Bruce says he has fended off enquiries from both Manchester United and Manchester City but while the midfielder is a Mackem through and through, you sense he might one day favour Old Trafford over Eastlands.

"When I was young, Ryan and David Beckham were my favourite players, and Paul Scholes too," added Henderson.

"It wasn't so much a case of having posters of them on the wall, more I just liked watching United play and they stood out.

"You see a lot of people in the papers for the wrong reasons but with Ryan you don't. Paul is a good professional off the pitch. Beckham was a good influence for me too.

"I remember when he scored in the last minute against Greece in 2001. I wasn't that young, but that is the game that sticks out in my mind to take England into the World Cup. Playing against players like them is a big thing for me and I'm sure I'll learn from it."

Where club boss Bruce famously never earned an England cap, Henderson is within touching distance of that honour and he admitted: "It's everyone's dream to play for their country. It's an opportunity for me to come and show people what I can do. I'm confident I can show people what I'm about.

"Wembley would be a new experience, a massive experience for me. It is an experience in himself being here so getting on and playing some part in the game would mean so much."