Cock-a-hoop youngster Jordan Henderson opened his Sunderland account in style against Birmingham - and immediately dedicated the goal to his parents.

The 19-year-old crashed home Kenwyne Jones' feed just four minutes in as the Black Cats cruised to a 2-0 victory over Alex McLeish's Blues.

And the goal evoked memories of times past for Henderson, who rose through the club's youth ranks to force his way into Steve Bruce's first-team plans during the summer.

"Kenwyne did brilliantly down the side to pull it back," said the midfielder, who earned rave reviews during a successful loan spell with Coventry City last season.

"I didn't have much time to think and just put it in. Apparently the keeper got a hand to it but I don't really care!

"It was a brilliant feeling to see the ball hit the back of the net and see the crowd, and it got me thinking about what my mum, my dad and my family have done for me.

"I'd definitely like to dedicate the goal to them. We've been through a lot since I've been little, driving me to places around the country and that [goal] was to say thank you."

He added: "I really enjoyed tonight and the lads played brilliantly. We worked really hard and showed lots of energy.

"We closed them down as a team for 90 minutes and put some good one-twos together, but now we need to concentrate on Sunday's game with Wolves and do the same again."

And what did the manager make of Jordan's strike?  Simple.  "He told me the keeper should have saved it!"

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