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Jordan Henderson admitted Liverpool had to dig deep to ensure they made a winning start to 2014.

The Reds beat Hull City 2-0 at Anfield to climb back up to fourth place in the Premier League.

Goals from Daniel Agger and Luis Suarez ensured they got their push for a Champions League spot back on track following away defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea.

“It was important to get the year off to a good start,” Henderson told the ECHO.

“Maybe we didn’t play as well as we have done in certain games when we have won by four or five, but we showed we can grind a result out when we’re not at our best.

“We could have had more goals. I should have scored with the chance I had when I dragged it wide.

“And their keeper made a couple of good saves from Philippe (Coutinho) but the most important thing was getting the three points and we’re delighted with the result.

“Our aim is to make Anfield a fortress – to make it really difficult for teams when they come here.

“We’ve been doing that and hopefully we can keep doing that and pick up points away too.”

In pictures: Liverpool 2 Hull 0

It was Liverpool’s fourth game in the space of 11 days and Henderson, who once again impressed against Hull, played every minute of the gruelling festive schedule.

The trips to Manchester City and Chelsea may have ended in defeat but the midfielder believes Brendan Rodgers’ side have proved they are a force to be reckoned with this term.

“It’s been tough but we have a good staff here who help us to recover well between games,” he added.

“There have been plenty of massages and ice baths to help ensure when the next game comes along you feel 100%.

“This period hasn’t been too bad for us but it could have been a little bit better.

“I think we can’t be too disheartened with the performances against Man City and Chelsea. I felt we played well and definitely deserved something out of both games.

“I thought we matched them, if not were better than them, in the two games. We just didn’t get the bit of luck that we deserved.

“We had to forget about all that and put things right against Hull. It was very important to get back to winning ways after those two defeats.

“We’re back in the top four and I definitely believe we can stay there. Now we’ve got keep it going and try to kick on for the rest of the season.”

The focus now turns to Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie with Oldham Athletic at Anfield.

Henderson was part of the Reds side knocked out of the Cup by the Latics last January and he is keen to play his part in ensuring there is no repeat of that giantkilling act.

“It’s an important game as we want to have a good Cup run,” he said.

“I’m sure everyone will want to play against Oldham but it’s up to the manager to decide who he puts out on Sunday.

“They knocked us out last year so we know what to expect. It will be a tough game but it’s a competition we want to do well in. We will recover well and look forward to it. We want to get another win.”

*Liverpool FC 2 Hull City 0 match report: Home rule continues for Reds