• Premier League

Henderson wants to stay at Liverpool for life

ESPN staff
November 27, 2012
Jordan Henderson made his first Premier League start under Brendan Rodgers against Swansea © PA Photos
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Jordan Henderson has vowed to fight for his place at Liverpool despite talk of a loan move in January.

Henderson, who was signed by Kenny Dalglish from Sunderland for £16m, started his first Premier League game under Brendan Rodgers in the 0-0 draw with Swansea on Sunday.

But rather than concede he is surplus to requirements under the new Anfield regime, Henderson is determined to improve his game under the Northern Irishman.

"A move to Liverpool has to be for life, not just for Christmas," Henderson said. "When I signed for Liverpool, I definitely wanted it to be long term. I want to make sure that when I am given opportunities I work hard and try to take them.

"It might be easier to throw a tantrum and walk away from a big club than fight to make it work. But it just gives me a different incentive to push on and go forward.

"I think the manager has seen that I have improved since he came into the club and I need to keep doing that and prove I can play in the league."

Henderson played for England during Euro 2012 but returned to Anfield to find himself behind a number of midfielders in Liverpool's new squad. Five substitute appearances in the Premier League have followed, along with more prominent roles in the Europa League and Capital One Cup, before his first start at the Liberty Stadium.

And the 22-year-old hopes to be a more regular fixture in Rodgers' starting line-up after working hard to adapt to the manager's football philosophies.

"I was happy with the way things went [against Swansea] but I have to improve an awful lot of things. In the final third I need to get better, but defensively I thought I was solid and did what the manager asked.

"In my first season at Liverpool I played a lot, but I still feel as if I am learning and the manager is helping me improve, especially tactically. I can definitely see improvement and I have to keep working hard, improving my game, and hopefully I will get more chances."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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