Liverpool’s Henderson admits last season was full of ‘ups and downs’

Jordan Henderson admits there were a lot of "ups and downs" in his first year at Liverpool, but he hopes to improve this season

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By TSR staff Wednesday 22 August 2012, 12:13 UK

Brendan Rodgers has brought in Joe Allen this summerPhoto: WBUR, via Flickr

brendan rodgers

Jordan Henderson admits there were a lot of “ups and downs” in his first year at Liverpool, but the midfielder is targeting an improvement this season.

The 22-year-old scored twice in 37 Premier League appearances after joining Liverpool in a £20m deal from Sunderland in 2011.

Kenny Dalglish, who signed Henderson from the Black Cats, was replaced by Brendan Rodgers in May, and Henderson is hoping his development over the past season will impress his new manager.

“I think there were a lot of positives to be taken out of my first full season,” Henderson told Liverpool’s website.

“Admittedly there were also a lot of ups and downs but I learnt a lot and I became a man in that time.

“I’ve just got to use all the experience that I gained in that year and hopefully this can be a better year for me.

“Obviously all of us players are disappointed if we haven’t played very well or we’ve got beat but you’ve just got to go away and stay positive and keep training hard, keep working hard and eventually it will come right for you.

“I look to kick on every season. This season is no different.”

Henderson is facing stiff competition for a place in Liverpool’s midfield, with Lucas Leiva returning from a serious knee injury, while Rodgers has signed Joe Allen in a £15m deal from Swansea City.

“It is a challenge but there are other great players here as well,” added Henderson.

“A player like Allen coming in only strengthens the squad and adds extra competition for everybody in training.

“So I think it’s a plus. I’ll keep working hard and try and fight my way into the team.

“I just need to work hard and try and get into the team first. I need to make sure I train well and that come the weekend, the manager can’t leave me out.”