Sunderland starlet Jordan Henderson has been told to carry on doing what he is doing after establishing himself as a genuine Barclays Premier League player.
The 19-year-old midfielder has started the club's last 10 games, nine of them in the league, after graduating from the academy to stake his claim for a regular place.
Henderson's run started in the wake of the medial ligament injury picked up by Lee Cattermole on October 17, which sidelined him for eight weeks.
Cattermole returned to the starting line-up for the first time at Manchester City on Saturday and, with skipper Lorik Cana due back from suspension for the Boxing Day clash with Everton, manager Steve Bruce will finally have his first-choice central midfield pairing at his disposal once again.
But, whoever makes way, it is unlikely to be the youngster.
Asked if Henderson needs a rest, Bruce replied: "No. There's no indication at all that he needs a rest yet.
"He has had a fantastic start to his career, that's for sure, and since I walked through the door on day one he has been nothing short of fantastic.
"I keep saying there is a lot still to learn, which is normal when you are 19.
"But the kid was fantastic again at the weekend - he made a goal, scored a goal, he was close to scoring against Portsmouth, was close to scoring against Aston Villa.
"He has had a great start to his young career and long may it continue.
"He just has to keep his feet on the ground and work hard but he seems level-headed enough to do that."
