|
|
Jordan Henderson admits his Liverpool form must improve before he can secure regular spot in England senior squad
The under-21's captain is looking to work his way into Capello's plans by featuring in the Anfield starting XI more, after admitting he has had an 'up and down' season so far
12 Nov 2011 14:45:00
By John Stammers
Getty Images
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has admitted that he needs to improve on his club performances before he is considered for England selection by Fabio Capello.
The former Sunderland player, who switched to Anfield in a £20million deal this summer, has conceded that whilst he is happy to see many of his former England under-21 colleagues breaking into the senior squad, he is also keen to make the step up sooner rather than later.
The 21-year-old made his debut for Capello's side a year ago, in a 2-1 friendly defeat against France, but the Italian boss has not picked him since, with Henderson continuing as under-21 captain for Stuart Pearce's side.
Henderson was quoted by Sky Sports saying: "I'm over the moon for the lads that have gone up.
"A few of them are regulars now and deserve it. I wish them all the best. One day I know I will be given the opportunity and I need to take it.
"I would never think that first cap came too soon. Maybe I didn't perform on the night as well as I would have liked, but I've analysed the performance and moved on.
"I need to concentrate on doing what I'm doing, but I'd love to play for the seniors again soon.
"First I need to get a regular place at Liverpool and start playing well. When I come away with the Under-21s, I need to show that I am 100 per cent at it all the time, and lead by example."
Henderson has made 11 appearances for Kenny Dalglish's side in the league this season, only managing one goal, but has promised the fans he has a lot more to offer.
He told Liverpool's official website: "I think it's been a little bit up and down, if I'm honest.
"I haven't set the world alight but I haven't played badly either.
"In my mind I've got a lot more to offer, there's a lot more to come, but I've got to keep working hard on the training pitch and in games and I'm sure things will come off sooner or later."
The midfielder also stated that he doesn't like being on the bench and will be doing everything possible to cement a place in the starting XI at Anfield, insisting he would thrive off the high pressure environment.
He added: "I'm not going to lie, it does hurt, and I'm sure it hurts anyone who doesn't start, but it means you have to work even harder to get in the team. It means you have to prove a point that you should be starting, so whenever my chance comes I have to take it and make sure I'm not on the bench very often."
"When you're at Liverpool there is always going to be expectancy and pressure when you play but that's part and parcel of football.
"I like to play under pressure. I expected it to be a huge club with huge expectancy and that's exactly what it is. The players have been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant."
The former Sunderland player, who switched to Anfield in a £20million deal this summer, has conceded that whilst he is happy to see many of his former England under-21 colleagues breaking into the senior squad, he is also keen to make the step up sooner rather than later.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The 21-year-old made his debut for Capello's side a year ago, in a 2-1 friendly defeat against France, but the Italian boss has not picked him since, with Henderson continuing as under-21 captain for Stuart Pearce's side.
Henderson was quoted by Sky Sports saying: "I'm over the moon for the lads that have gone up.
"A few of them are regulars now and deserve it. I wish them all the best. One day I know I will be given the opportunity and I need to take it.
"I would never think that first cap came too soon. Maybe I didn't perform on the night as well as I would have liked, but I've analysed the performance and moved on.
"I need to concentrate on doing what I'm doing, but I'd love to play for the seniors again soon.
"First I need to get a regular place at Liverpool and start playing well. When I come away with the Under-21s, I need to show that I am 100 per cent at it all the time, and lead by example."
Henderson has made 11 appearances for Kenny Dalglish's side in the league this season, only managing one goal, but has promised the fans he has a lot more to offer.
He told Liverpool's official website: "I think it's been a little bit up and down, if I'm honest.
"I haven't set the world alight but I haven't played badly either.
"In my mind I've got a lot more to offer, there's a lot more to come, but I've got to keep working hard on the training pitch and in games and I'm sure things will come off sooner or later."
The midfielder also stated that he doesn't like being on the bench and will be doing everything possible to cement a place in the starting XI at Anfield, insisting he would thrive off the high pressure environment.
He added: "I'm not going to lie, it does hurt, and I'm sure it hurts anyone who doesn't start, but it means you have to work even harder to get in the team. It means you have to prove a point that you should be starting, so whenever my chance comes I have to take it and make sure I'm not on the bench very often."
"When you're at Liverpool there is always going to be expectancy and pressure when you play but that's part and parcel of football.
"I like to play under pressure. I expected it to be a huge club with huge expectancy and that's exactly what it is. The players have been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
