Henderson: I can't wait for derby day
Jordan Henderson believes he is fast becoming 'emotionally attached' to Liverpool – and, as a result, is desperate to guide the Reds to victory in Tuesday's Merseyside derby.
The midfielder has faced Everton six times since arriving from Sunderland in August 2011 and has yet to taste defeat against the Blues.
His first three derby encounters, including an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, ended in victory for Liverpool, while the three since have produced draws.
Henderson is determined to extend his unbeaten record at Anfield tomorrow - and, like most Kopites, he's already counting down the minutes until the two sides clash.
"I can't wait for the derby," said the 23-year-old. "It's a game everybody is really looking forward to.
"We'll have couple of days rest [after the Bournemouth game] and we'll recover and be ready for Tuesday.
"I've been here quite a long time now and I feel at home and I want to be emotionally attached to Liverpool.
"I want to do my best for the club and don't want to lose, especially in derbies. Hopefully, that won't be the case."
Everton are currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League - two places and a point behind the Reds.
Roberto Martinez's side have lost just once in their last 10 league fixtures and played their part in one of the most enthralling derbies in recent memory when the sides drew 3-3 at Goodison Park in November.
The two teams are currently embroiled in a battle for Champions League football and Henderson is determined for the Reds to be in contention for a top-four finish come May.
The England international believes it can be achieved if his teammates can continue to demonstrate the correct attitude and mentality throughout the 16 remaining games.
"We are not easy to play against and we hate losing," said Henderson. "So we just have to keep that going and keep it as it is.
"The top four is what we want to achieve. We've got to have that mentality going into every game, wanting to win and believing we can.
"We've got very good players, but we just need that mentality and to be resilient in our performances and work for each other.
"It would be an achievement to finish in the top four. We're always looking to improve and that would be a massive improvement on last season."