'Vice-captain role means everything'
It is rare that Jordan Henderson is short of a composed and carefully stated answer to an interview question but when asked about his new role of Liverpool vice-captain, the midfielder briefly pauses to fully consider the honour.
"It means everything really," the 24-year-old soon responds, encapsulating his pride in being selected as deputy to Steven Gerrard by manager Brendan Rodgers earlier this week, little over three years after joining the club.
The decision capped a period of relentless progression that has made Henderson a fundamental feature of the boss' team, included a trip to the World Cup and won huge acclaim from supporters, who hailed his promotion.
He continued: "It's a great honour to be given the extra responsibility by the gaffer. He said not to change anything, to keep doing what I've been doing.
"He feels that I've been doing well and leading the group well at times. Hopefully I can continue to do that and it will not change me in any way.
"All I can do is look to support Stevie wherever I can, because he has not only been one of the best leaders for Liverpool and England but in the game itself. Like I always have, I'll look to learn from him as best I can. There's no better man than him to do that."
The No.14 was speaking to Liverpoolfc.com shortly after Tuesday night's dramatic Champions League meeting with Bulgarian title-holders Ludogorets Razgrad at Anfield.
Rodgers' charges secured a late lead through Mario Balotelli but, following a shock equaliser by the visitors, the home side needed a stoppage-time penalty by the skipper to kick off Group B with a 2-1 victory.
"We knew it would be difficult and they would be a decent team," was Henderson's assessment of opponents who refused to bow to the challenge.
"It proved to be that way. On the counter-attack they were very good and I'm sure they will cause teams one or two problems.
"We were delighted to get in front; I thought we dominated the game. It didn't go all our way - they counter-attacked quite well at times.
"It was a great finish by Mario and, at 1-0, we needed to see the game out. Unfortunately we didn't do that, which we're really disappointed with.
"But we kept going and Javier [Manquillo] did brilliantly for the goal to get in there in front of the 'keeper and get the penalty. And it was a great penalty by Stevie. The most important thing was the three points.
"Three points are always vital in the Champions League and I'm sure they will prove to be three big points. Everybody is looking forward to the next game now and we've got to keep improving."
The fixture was Henderson's maiden experience of the European tournament, having been such an integral part of guiding Liverpool back into the competition last season.
An opportunity to test his credentials against the continent's best outfits is naturally one that the England international - a professional of immense dedication - is relishing.
He added: "I enjoyed it, it was a great atmosphere and the crowd were brilliant - they kept us going. It was a really good night, especially if you win because it makes it even better.
"It's amazing to be in the Champions League. It was my first experience of it tonight and it was incredible. Hopefully we can keep going and get as far as we can in the competition."