Stewart Downing has paid tribute to the progress Jordan Henderson has made this season, insisting: 'You can't get him out of the team at the moment!'

The midfielder has made 42 appearances for the Reds so far in 2012-13, scoring six goals and turning in a number of impressive displays.

Indeed, Henderson has started Liverpool's last six games - and Downing believes he deserves credit for the hard work he's shown to hold down a place in the starting XI.

"This season Jordan has come on massively," he said.

"He had that spell out of the team. But he knuckled down and worked really hard. He's a good lad and has a great attitude. Even when he's not playing, he always gives 100 per cent in training.

"All of a sudden he's in the same boat as me and you can't get him out of the team. He's playing well and now he's there I'm sure he will be determined to stay there. I'm really pleased for him."

Downing added: "You just have to keep your head down and have faith in your ability. The type of lad Jordan is, he always wants to play and do well.

"We've both had to be patient at times but we're both in the side at the moment and hopefully we can continue to prove to the manager we deserve to stay there. We just have to keep performing."

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