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Jordan: I’ll be boring like Giggs
ENGLAND new boy Jordan Henderson first met Ryan Giggs as a three-year-old kid on holiday.
And the Sunderland ace, hoping to make his Three Lions debut against France at Wembley tomorrow, admits the squeaky-clean Manchester United legend remains his inspiration 17 years on.
Henderson, 20, born the day after England drew 0-0 with Holland at Italia 90, does not drink alcohol or smoke. In fact, he is not a fan of going out whatsoever.
The midfield prospect, on a high after his team's 3-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday, said: "When I was really young, I met Ryan Giggs while on holiday with my mum and dad.
"Mum has a picture with me on his shoulders.
"When I played against him for the first time, I didn't have the nerve to say anything to him.
"While I supported Sunderland, Giggs was my favourite player and I have followed his career.
"You see a lot of people in the papers for the wrong reasons but with Ryan Giggs you don't see him in the paper. And Paul Scholes is a good professional off the pitch.
"I don't really go out. I am a little bit boring out. I stay in and watch TV. My mates have been good since school. They used to go out but they'd probably tell me not to, which is a good thing.
"They didn't really drink at a young age or anything like that. For me, a fun night out is like on Sunday against Chelsea! Watching the highlights.
"The only time I go out is Christmas night when the whole team goes out for team bonding and stuff like that. I just love playing football and I don't want anything to jeopardise that."
Henderson, whose favourite drink is J2O, is the son of a retired policeman. He added: "My mum and dad have been a good influence on me.
"They have brought us up really well, they have always kept my feet on the ground and not let us get carried away. Dad was in the police force — he used to chase people!"
If given his first cap by Fabio Capello, Henderson will look to add another highlight to his incredible week after the Black Cats' superb win at Stamford Bridge which put the Wearsiders up to sixth in table.
Sunderland-born Henderson, who made his Premier League debut against Chelsea only two years ago, said: "I've played there twice before and been beaten by a lot of goals.
"So we decided to go there and not sit back and just have a go. It was a big game to play in and everyone played really well.
"Everyone will be buzzing with confidence. We were devastated after losing the Newcastle game 5-1, so Chelsea will have helped.
"We were a bit shocked we beat Chelsea away 3-0 but we've proved teams can win at Stamford Bridge.
"They had some big players out, but that didn't matter. You can only beat what's in front of you, the win will give us great confidence to push on for the season.
"It's too early to say where we can finish. We need to keep pushing on, keep progressing, but we could finish pretty high up. We have got enough talent and character in the team to go on and do well."
Henderson, who played 13 games on loan for Coventry in 2009, is relishing his England chance.
He said: "It's everyone's dream to play for their country. It's a massive opportunity for me to come and show people what I can do. I'm confident I can show people what I'm about."