Premier League: Liverpool's Jordan Henderson proud to be named vice-captain

Jordan Henderson says he will look to learn from skipper Steven Gerrard as he embraces his new appointment as Liverpool vice-captain.

Manager Brendan Rodgers appointed midfielder Henderson to be Gerrard's deputy earlier this week, taking over from Daniel Agger who left the club in August.

"It means everything really," the 24-year-old said on the club website, following Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Bulgarian title-holders Luogorets Razgrad in the Reds' return to the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday.

"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.

It means everything really. 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.

"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 vice-captaincy marks another progression for Henderson who, little over three years after joining Liverpool, has become a stalwart of Rodgers' side who were runners-up in the Premier League last season. 

The midfielder has made 137 appearances for Liverpool and scored 13 goals, plus he has been capped 15 times for England, including at the World Cup in Brazil. 

In their first Champions League game for five years, Liverpool needed a stoppage-time penalty by Gerrard to open their Group B account with a win, with the first goal scored by Mario Balotelli.

"We knew it would be difficult and they would be a decent team," said Henderson.

"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.

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"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."

It was Henderson's debut in the Champions League and he relished the occasion, adding: "I enjoyed it, it was a great atmosphere and the crowd were brilliant - they kept us going. It was a really good night.

"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."