Capello may promote Henderson to senior squad for France friendly

London: Fabio Capello could fast-track Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson into the senior squad for next month's friendly against France.

Capello is planning to use the Wembley date to look more closely at the credentials of young players who have impressed in Stuart Pearce's Under 21 team.

Henderson has emerged at the top of the list of candidates less than two years after making his Sunderland debut, catching the England manager's eye this season with his pace, energy and stamina.

Capello was in Bristol in August to see the 20-year-old win his first cap for the Under 21s in a friendly against Uzbekistan and has followed his progress closely since.

He was in Norwich last week when Henderson scored from 25 yards in a 2-1 win in the first leg of a play-off against Romania.

Pearce's team drew in the return leg on Tuesday to qualify for next summer's European Under 21 Championship finals in Denmark.

"It's fair to say Jordan sometimes does not get the recognition he deserves," said Sunderland manager Steve Bruce recently.

That may be about to change. "Some of the younger players will play against France, absolutely yes," said Capello. "I cannot tell you the names until I have told the managers of the clubs but one or two of these players will play."