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STEWART DOWNING has saluted Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson for silencing his doubters this season.

The winger has been delighted to see his team-mate transform his Reds career after a tough first year at Anfield following his £16million move from Sunderland.

Henderson, who rejected the chance to join Fulham last summer, didn’t start a Premier League game under Brendan Rodgers until late November, but has since forced his way into the manager’s plans.

Last Sunday’s derby with Everton was his sixth successive league start and Downing believes Henderson has proved himself to be a key member of the side.

“This season Jordan has come on massively,” Downing said.

“He had that spell out of the team and was a bit upset at not playing as he didn’t really get a chance.

“But he knuckled down and worked really hard. He’s a good lad and has a great attitude. Even when he’s not playing, he always gives 100% in training.

“All of a sudden he’s in the same boat as me and you can’t get him out of the team. He’s playing well and now he’s there I’m sure he will be determined to stay there. I’m really pleased for him.”

Downing and Henderson both came in for some criticism as they struggled to live up to their price tags following their big money transfers to Liverpool in 2011.

The experienced 28-year-old, who cost £20million from Aston Villa, provided support for the England Under-21s skipper and was always confident the tide would turn for both of them.

“I speak to Jordan all the time,” Downing added.

“I told him to keep going and not to listen to what was being said.

“As soon as you have an indifferent game or two, people jump on how much a club has paid for you.

“I told him you just have to get used to that. I also had it at Villa where I was bought injured and when I was fit it took me a while to get going.

“You just have to keep your head down and have faith in your ability. The type of lad Jordan is, he always wants to play and do well.

“We’ve both had to be patient at times but we’re both in the side at the moment and hopefully we can continue to prove to the manager we deserve to stay there. We just have to keep performing.”