I thought that Martin Smith would make it at the top level. Just goes to show my footballing knowledge :*(I am being harsh, perhaps he'll improve with time or needs a new coach / manager to bring him on.
However, I watched Henderson at the same age and I knew he was player. The first touch was there, the range of passing, sharpness, he couldn't header or tackle but they can be coached. What can't be coached is having time. Henderson always had time, good first touch, a little feignt to buy him half a second in a crowded area of the pitch.
McNair I just don't see it.