Henderson: I've been taught by the best

The 24-year-old was confirmed as the Reds' deputy skipper on Monday evening - an announcement that was met with glowing approval from both teammates and fans alike.

And while Henderson was delighted to have been selected for the responsibility, it was typical of the No.14 that there was little time for celebrations - it was a case of back to business.

He said: "I didn't have any sense it was coming. The gaffer just took me in and told me that he wanted to give it to me.

"I didn't have to think too hard about it. It was an amazing feeling.

"It is a huge honour to be vice-captain of Liverpool Football Club and a huge honour to be given the extra responsibility by the gaffer.

"There were no special celebrations when Brendan told me. I'm the type of person to just get on with it.

"I know how big the role is as this is a very special club but it is one that I am looking forward to take on."

Henderson has flourished under the tutelage of Rodgers since the Northern Irishman was appointed to the Liverpool helm in 2012.

The now England international can't stress enough the impact the manager has had on his career.

"The manager promised that he would improve me and I have got a lot to thank him for because I feel he has done that," said Henderson.

"Tactically, I needed to improve. That was a big thing when he came in.

"He said I needed to improve my tactical awareness, that it needed to be better in games.

"I think it has improved but I try and improve every single day on the training field. I watch every game back to see what I can do better and the manager helps me with it. In big games, tactics come into it a lot.

"Different formations, different tactics, different counterattacks, I've learnt a lot and I am continuing to learn.

"Playing in the Champions League will help improve me further. It was tough the other night but the most important thing is that we got the job done."

Henderson is also eager to highlight how watching Gerrard operate at close quarters over the last four years has influenced his development.

"Stevie just said congratulations to me and told me that I had worked hard and deserved it," he said, recalling the moment he revealed his vice-captaincy appointment to Gerrard.

"That was a good feeling coming from not only the best leader Liverpool and England have had, but the best player too.

"Stevie is the perfect role model for any player to look up to with the way he conducts himself. I try my best to learn from him every single day.

"This is my fourth season here and he has helped me a lot on and off the pitch.

"He has been a massive influence on my career. I look up to him as a person and a player. I have got no better man to learn from.

"He's a genuinely nice person and everything he says and does is about the team, not about him."

Despite taking on the role as Gerrard's understudy, Henderson isn't considering displacing the 34-year-old as Liverpool's full-time captain anytime soon.

"I'm not thinking that far ahead as a lot can change in football very quickly and I'm sure it will be a good few years yet," he said.

"Stevie is looking as fit as a fiddle and you can see how much of an impact he's having. I think he could play every game this season.

"If that time comes I'll do my best, not only for my teammates but also for the supporters.

"I will just try and look to support Stevie in whatever way I can. It won't change anything for me. I will just keep doing what I have been doing and enjoy it.

"I always try and help my teammates as best that I can. Sometimes I get a little bit frustrated but there is never anything personal in it."