Jordan: 11-12 made me a man
Jordan Henderson claims a debut season full of highs and lows has helped him 'become a man'.
The 22-year-old arrived at Anfield last summer having learnt his trade with Sunderland from the age of seven.
He did enough during his first campaign to earn a place in England's Euro 2012 squad, but Henderson admits there were difficult moments.
The midfielder feels he grew as a result of these experiences and is aiming to prove it in 2012-13.
"I think there were a lot of positives to be taken out of my first full season," he said.
"Admittedly there were also a lot of ups and downs but I learnt a lot and I became a man in that time.
"I've just got to use all the experience that I gained in that year and hopefully this can be a better year for me.
"Obviously all of us players are disappointed if we haven't played very well or we've got beat but you've just got to go away and stay positive and keep training hard, keep working hard and eventually it will come right for you.
"I look to kick on every season. This season is no different."
The 2011-12 campaign ended on a high for Henderson as he was called into Roy Hodgson's first tournament squad following an injury to Frank Lampard.
He made two substitute appearances as the Three Lions reached the quarter-finals, where they lost on penalties to Italy.
"I was delighted when the call came," he said. "It was a massive experience.
"Being there with these types of players gives you more confidence when you go and play at the highest level.
"It gave me a lot of confidence, so let's hope I can use that and just keep pushing forward."
Pushing forward at Liverpool means impressing new manager Brendan Rodgers, who has already indicated his admiration for Henderson by stating 'this kid can play football'.
That said, earning a place in Liverpool's midfield will be even tougher this year with Lucas Leiva returning from injury and Joe Allen joining the squad roster.
"It is a challenge but there are other great players here as well," said Henderson. "A player like Allen coming in only strengthens the squad and adds extra competition for everybody in training.
"So I think it's a plus. I'll keep working hard and try and fight my way into the team.
"I just need to work hard and try and get into the team first. I need to make sure I train well and that come the weekend, the manager can't leave me out."