Jordan Henderson has revealed the bug which forced Brendan Rodgers to miss the 3-0 win over QPR also struck him on Saturday night - but admitted the lure of putting on a starting shirt was too great to miss.

The England U21 captain managed to play for just over an hour and gave a fine display as the Reds produced a brilliant performance to sink Harry Redknapp's bottom-of-the-table side.

Henderson said: "I was close to not playing. I had a bad stomach and was sick on Saturday night, which is unusual for me as I'm normally never sick. I caught the bug a few people and the boss got, but I love playing football and I want to play every chance I get for this club.

"There's a lot of competition for places at this club so when you are given the opportunity you can't let anything get in the way so I was pleased to be able to play.

"The coaches just said to me see how you feel in the warm-up. I felt okay so I managed to play for an hour which I'm pleased with.

"I got a text from my dad saying I looked white when I came off, but I feel fine and hopefully will be ready for the next game now against Sunderland."

Henderson received a great ovation from the travelling Kop when he made way for Lucas, and he was keen to acknowledge their support.

"Our fans are brilliant," he added.

"They travel home and away in their thousands and we really appreciate that. They are so passionate and we are very pleased to get this win for them."

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Reflecting on the win at Loftus Road, Henderson admitted it was important to banish the memory of Boxing Day and look forward to trying to start a new winning run.

He explained: "Many people could see we put in a good performance at QPR. We played some really good football, defended really well, scored some good goals so overall we are delighted.

"It's always good to bounce back from a defeat with a win in your next game and it was a good test of character for us.

"We just have to keep working hard and keep progressing. I definitely think we are getting better. We've just got to take each game as it comes and keep that winning mentality."

Liverpool's No.14 also had words of praise for Luis Suarez who took his tally to 16 goals for the season with a brace in another fantastic display.

Henderson said: "Luis is brilliant. He is brilliant every day in training and brilliant in every game. It is just a pleasure to play with him."

The Reds will start 2013 with an Anfield clash against Henderson's former club Sunderland, and the midfielder is hoping to get the nod and keep his place in the starting XI.

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He added: "It's another big game for us against Sunderland who have been doing quite well of late and they beat Manchester City.

"Sunderland will always have a special place in my heart but we are confident we can do well and get the right result."