The Black Cats are eyeing an unlikely promotion tilt after goals from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor secured a third straight win to push Regis Le Bris' men five points clear at the top of the Championship.
Wearside-born Henderson left his hometown club at 20 to join Liverpool in a trophy-laden career that has seen the 34-year-old Champions League and Premier League winner recently linked with a return to the North-East.
Sunderland skipper Dan Neil watched Henderson from the stands as a youngster and would love to see his hero back at the Stadium of Light to further boost the growing feel-good factor as the Black Cats aim to end a seven-year top-flight exile.
The 22-year-old midfielder insists the door is always open for a Henderson comeback.
Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson has been urged to seal an emotional return to Sunderland
He said: 'Jordan is someone I'd love to play alongside, he's a top quality player who has won everything in a great career so he's welcome to come back if he wants.
'He's inspired us local lads to keep striving to emulate him.
'I got in contact with him a couple of years back, and we met for a coffee. He gave me some good advice which I've kept to heart. It might be a bit nerve-wracking captaining a side with him in it but it's something I'd happily do.'