JORDAN HENDERSON has revealed the size of the transfer fee Liverpool paid Sunderland for him filled him with confidence rather than fear.
The £16m midfielder, who turns 21 on Friday, has vowed to prove he is worth the money by helping the Reds qualify for next season’s Champions League.
“I don’t really make the figures up but it just shows that Liverpool have faith in me,” he said.
“So I’ll work hard and improve as a player and learn a lot and hopefully I can repay them.
“Every player wants to play in the Champions League, but I think we’ve got to focus on the Premier League first.
“It’s been a little bit hectic but it’s been brilliant as well. So a really good week for me and hopefully it’ll get better.”
Henderson played in England Under-21s’ 1-1 draw against Spain in Denmark on Sunday.
England’s players could feel they have got the hardest Group B group game out of the way ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Ukraine and Sunday’s match with the Czech Republic.
Henderson urged caution, though, and said: “Ukraine and Czech Republic are two massive teams still.
“We’ve got two big games coming up but we’ll prepare for them and we’ll be ready for them.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has undergone surgery on a double hernia.
But the Spanish stopper is expected to make a full recovery in time for pre-season training next month.
Reina underwent a “non-emergency operation” in Munich last Thursday and a statement released yesterday by the Reds said: “Pepe Reina has undergone successful surgery on a double hernia.
“The decision was taken for the Reds keeper to undergo a non-emergency operation in Munich at the end of the season.
“The Spanish international will now begin a rehabilitation programme and is expected to return with the rest of the squad for pre-season training next month.”
Reina played every minute of all 38 Premier League matches last season and the surgery had been planned by Liverpool prior to him joining up with Spain at the end of the domestic season.
The 28-year-old is currently on holiday but will begin a rehabilitation programme on his return.
Exciting Spanish Under-21 striker Jeffren has spoken of his pride at being linked with a switch to Anfield.
“The truth is that when teams like Liverpool are mentioned I am proud of their interest,” he said.
The representatives of Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam, meanwhile, have said “no deal has been discussed” in response to reports claiming Liverpool are set to hold talks with the player and his club on Friday this week.
