Jordan Henderson has spoken of his pride in being named vice-captain by Brendan Rodgers, reports Liverpoolfc.com.
The 24-year-old was named as the successor to Daniel Agger earlier in the week, in a move by the boss that caps a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for the England man.
In his three years at the club, Henderson has gone from being perceived as a big money flop, to being an integral first team player for both club and country.
“It means everything really”, he said when asked his reaction to being given the role.
“It’s a great honour to be given the extra responsibility by the gaffer. He said not to change anything, to keep doing what I’ve been doing.
“He feels that I’ve been doing well and leading the group well at times. Hopefully I can continue to do that and it will not change me in any way.
“All I can do is look to support Stevie wherever I can, because he has not only been one of the best leaders for Liverpool and England but in the game itself. Like I always have, I’ll look to learn from him as best I can. There’s no better man than him to do that.”
The number 14 was speaking shortly after Liverpool’s nervy 2-1 win over FC Ludogorets on their return to the Champions League, and Henderson admitted he was relieved to see his side come away with three points – highlighting there is plenty of room for improvement.
“We knew it would be difficult and they would be a decent team,” he said.
“It proved to be that way. On the counter-attack they were very good and I’m sure they will cause teams one or two problems.
“We were delighted to get in front; I thought we dominated the game. It didn’t go all our way – they counter-attacked quite well at times.
“It was a great finish by Mario and, at 1-0, we needed to see the game out. Unfortunately we didn’t do that, which we’re really disappointed with.
“But we kept going and Javier [Manquillo] did brilliantly for the goal to get in there in front of the ‘keeper and get the penalty. And it was a great penalty by Stevie. The most important thing was the three points.
“Three points are always vital in the Champions League and I’m sure they will prove to be three big points. Everybody is looking forward to the next game now and we’ve got to keep improving.”
