Hendo is living his dreams
JORDAN HENDERSON has always dreamed of winning the Champions League.
It started as a kid for the Liverpool midfielder, growing up in Sunderland when he imagined what it would be like to hold aloft the most coveted prize in club football.
And now he has the chance to emulate former Reds captains Emlyn Hughes, Phil Thompson, Graeme Souness and Steven Gerrard in getting his hands on the trophy.
However, Henderson, 27, knows he cannot look any further than Roma in the semi-finals, which is a repeat of Liverpool’s famous 1984 final triumph.
He said: “You dream about those things from when you are a kid.
“And I have, as many other players have, but let’s take one step at a time.
“Roma are a fantastic team and it will be a tough test for us, so we will just have to wait and see.
“We certainly won’t underestimate them. They beat Barcelona 3-0 and are a top team. It will be a difficult game both home and away.
“I’ve watched them a few times and they’ve got some very good players. It will be a tough test, as it always would be in the semi-final of the Champions League.
“It is a challenge for us and we’ll be confident with the way we’ve been playing, especially in the last round.
“We have to go there and do what we have been doing and hopefully get to the final.
“We’re in a good place at the moment, but at the same time it’s important not to get carried away.
“Our focus is on playing football and winning games.” ROMELU LUKAKU believes his 27th goal of the season was the perfect way to warm up for tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final. The Manchester United striker hit his side’s
Tottenham’s seven FA Cup semis since last winning the trophy in 1991
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second in a 2-0 success at Bournemouth on Wednesday and is now enjoying his bestever Premier League season.
Lukaku, who has netted 20 or more goals in all of the last four seasons, now wants revenge on Tottenham for a 2-0 defeat at Wembley in January.
After ending a two-game
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blank, Lukaku said: “Quite often when I get my goals they come in a few games. It was nice to contribute in that way as well.
“Our goal for a little while now has been to make sure we get to the FA Cup Final. This is the perfect way to lead into the weekend.” The Belgium star was among several big-hitters on the bench in midweek, but came on just after the hour and scored seven minutes later.
Paul Pogba, who started, provided the assist and Lukaku (left) added: “At halftime the manager told Paul to keep making those runs, he did and played a perfect pass, which I was able to finish off.”