Kenny Dalglish today revealed his delight at the arrival of Jordan Henderson - and backed the midfielder to prove a success at Anfield both on and off the pitch.

The highly-rated 20-year-old completed his transfer from Sunderland on Thursday evening and Dalglish feels the deal represents a real coup for Liverpool.

"It is fantastic for the football club to be able to attract hugely talented young footballers that have huge potential," said the boss.

"Jordan is very mature for his age.

"He is respectful and his principles and everything else on and off the pitch are exemplary.

"Not only is he a talented footballer, he's a really good person as well. He loves his football and he is very appreciative of what Sunderland have done for him."

Henderson shot to prominence over the course of the 2010-11 season at Sunderland, alerting several clubs to his talents - but Dalglish revealed the Reds have been tracking his progress ever since he broke into the first team at the Stadium of Light.

And the manager is confident the England international can play a part in helping his side build on the impressive form they've displayed since the Scot returned to the helm in January.

"You know of young players before of course but we have been watching him since he came into the Sunderland first team and have been tracking him," added Dalglish.

"We just need to go out and bring people to the football club that will raise the profile and standard of the performances that we have had since January - and I think Jordan falls into that category. People might turn around and say, 'Well you have people in there who have done really well'.

"Of course they have done well - and hopefully next year people will be saying the same thing about Jordan."