Jordan Henderson has used the opening month of the season to maximise his fitness levels and ensure he wins back a place in the Liverpool team on merit.

The captain’s involvement in England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals during the summer meant a late return to pre-season and club duty in August.

Henderson was therefore on the bench for the first game of the campaign and the Reds’ winning rhythm has led Jürgen Klopp to maintain a settled starting XI, other than bringing the skipper in at Leicester City.

It’s a situation the midfielder understands and accepts – but one he hopes to change having worked hard to refresh his mind and body for another demanding season.

“I came back later than everybody else so I can’t expect to just come straight back in,” said Henderson as he spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

“The lads worked so hard in pre-season and you can see the benefits already in how fit they are and the rhythm they have got from playing games. They’re at a very, very high level – you see that in the performances, they have been fantastic, winning games.

“So it’s normal for me that I’m not playing, I can accept it. It just means I’ve got to keep working hard, improve and take my chance when it comes.

“I totally respect the players around me and how well they’re playing, and the manager as well; he always decides and he’s always right. I just respect his decision and I’ve basically tried to use this period to refresh my body and refresh my mind because last season was long, especially with the World Cup. It was enjoyable and ended in disappointment, it was a long season.

“And this is going to be another long season for us hopefully, with a lot of games. So I need to make sure I’m ready and I’m trying to use this period to be as ready as possible.”

The No.14 is keen to get the nod from Klopp for the visit of PSG in the opening fixture of a tricky Group C that also includes Napoli and Red Star Belgrade.

“I had minutes coming on, played the Leicester game and played for England – so I feel I’m building up back to my normal self,” said Henderson.

“I’m trying to get that sharpness and rhythm back really. I suppose that only comes with playing games so I’m looking forward to playing.”

The star-studded Ligue 1 heavyweights come to Anfield having won each of their five matches so far this term, too, and with serious ambitions of Champions League glory.

But Henderson is not daunted by the prospect and believes the Anfield factor that contributed so much to Liverpool’s run to the final last season can be a differential again.

“They are a very, very good side with many good players, many top players. So it’s a tough test for us, of course, but a challenge we look forward to and we’re ready for,” added the 28-year-old.

“The atmosphere at Anfield is a plus for us – I’m sure it will be electric. It’s a special European night again. The players are looking forward to it and it’s a brilliant game to start the campaign off.”