Teenage midfielder Jordan Henderson passed another major test on Saturday as his blossoming career continued on its upward curve.

That is the view of Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, who handed him a job against Arsenal which has proved beyond far more experienced men already this season.

The 19-year-old was asked to stop Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas from playing at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, and was rewarded for his efforts when the Black Cats emerged with a famous 1-0 Premier League victory.

It was the first time this season the Gunners had failed to score and while Bruce was not keen to single out individuals, he was delighted with Henderson's contribution.

"We played him against Fabregas so that shows the faith I have got in the kid," Bruce said.

"We know Fabregas seems to be able to run effortlessly, I think he is the top midfield player in the Premier League.

"We asked Jordan to stay with him and he did it manfully."

Henderson emerged from the Academy ranks during pre-season and has been involved in all but one of the club's 16 games to date, a run which last month earned him a new four-year contract.

Five of his eight starts have come in the last five games and the local youngster will hope that run continues as he and his team-mates prepare for Saturday's trip to shellshocked Wigan, who are still coming to terms with their 9-1 drubbing at Tottenham on Sunday.

However, they could head for the DW Stadium without either of their first-choice strikers.

Sunderland will learn tomorrow the extent of leading scorer Darren Bent's hamstring injury, which they fear could sideline him for three weeks, while Kenwyne Jones completes his three-match ban for his red card against West Ham.

That leaves Bruce with just Fraizer Campbell of his three main strikers available and he could turn to David Healy or Daryl Murphy for reinforcements.

Both men were unused substitutes at the weekend.

Healy's recent lack of football - he is yet to make a league start for the Black Cats - has cost him his place in the Northern Ireland team and sparked speculation that he will seek a move in an effort to revive his career.