Brendan Rodgers today praised the determination and hunger of Jordan Henderson to prove himself at Liverpool following his impressive start to 2013-14.

The 23-year-old has established himself as a key member of the Reds squad and has started every Barclays Premier League game so far this term - earning a recall to the England squad in the process.

Rodgers recalls a conversation he held with the midfielder shortly after being appointed Anfield boss in the summer of 2012 and is delighted with the strides forward he's made since.

The manager said: "He told me that he wanted to stay here and fight. I told him I would help him improve as a player and improve his game because he has got all the tools.

"At 23 years of age, he has got his whole career in front of him. It is thanks to his quality and professionalism that he is making marked improvements."

Rodgers added: "I just see a young player that is athletically good, technically strong.

"Tactically he is aware now of the game. He can participate in the game, he knows when to move inside and outside.

"Tactically his understanding of the game is much, much better.

"That is a massive credit to him because he is working very hard, listening and wanting to be a better player."