Henderson targets ticket to Brazil

17 October 2013 08:31

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson still hopes to secure his seat on the plane to Brazil by playing his way into England's World Cup squad.

The 22-year-old was not selected by Roy Hodgson for the last two qualifiers, which guaranteed the national team's progress to next summer's tournament in South America.

That is despite the fact he has enjoyed an impressive opening to the campaign with the Reds, playing every minute of the Barclays Premier League season so far.

"I think everyone wants to play for England at the end of the day," he told reporters.

"It's a massive opportunity and to play for your country is a real honour but all I can do is keep playing well for Liverpool and keep working hard.

"There's nothing more I can do. When it comes to selection it's up to the England manager to select the best squad he can for the upcoming games."

Henderson's current fortunes are a world away from 12 months ago when, in manager Brendan Rodgers' first season at the club, it seemed he was destined for a bit-part role at best.

Having turned down a move to Fulham as a makeweight in the failed bid for Clint Dempsey the midfielder vowed to improve and make a success of his career at Anfield.

That hard work, coupled with winning over his manager, has made a huge difference to Henderson.

"There were a few areas that the manager and I spoke about to improve on," he added.

"I went away and did what he said and I'll carry on doing so.

"I'll keep working on my game. I want to improve whatever position I'm playing and I want to do the best.

"The manager has put a lot of faith in me. It gives me confidence.

"He's improved my game since he came to Liverpool which I am very thankful for.

"Hopefully I can keep repaying him, keep working hard on the training pitch and improving and learning off other players.

"I want to keep improving all the time as I keep saying and hopefully I can do that and keep fit.

"I am just enjoying playing football at the minute and obviously I have played a lot since the start of the season. I'm just enjoying it.

"It doesn't matter what position I'm playing. I'll give 110 per cent wherever I am put.

"I am learning each and every position so when I'm put in that position I know exactly what I'm doing and to the best of my ability."

Source: PA