JOR GONNA HAVE TO FIGHT

JORDAN HENDERSON admits the pressure is on to impress Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds midfielder started as the Kop club beat Stoke at Anfield on Saturday to get their season off to a flier.

But the £16million signing from Sunderland knows he has Joe Allen breathing down his neck for a first-team shirt.

Henderson, 23, was almost chucked out the door last summer when Rodgers arrived and offered the midfielder to Fulham as part-exchange for Clint Dempsey. Henderson was one of former boss Kenny Dalglish’s big-money spends during his reign, with the others, Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing, moved on this summer.

But the England international (left) won over the Liverpool boss last season and is now seen as an important player.

“It is always nice to play, I am sure that’s the same for everyone,” said Henderson. “But we are a squad and there will be times when other people come in and I have to keep fighting for my place.

“I’ve spoken to the manager from day one and he has improved my game. He’s told me what I need to focus on.

“Competition is always important at big clubs – it makes everyone want to push that little bit harder.

“Then it is up to the manager to pick his team. I’ve just got to make sure I do everything to get into his team and I’m sure the other lads will as well.”