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Jordan Henderson is relishing leading Liverpool’s charge for glory under Jurgen Klopp as the captain looks to put his injury nightmare behind him.

The Reds midfielder admits he felt “helpless” during his three-and-a-half month absence due to a crippling heel problem and a broken metatarsal.

However, having hit the comeback trail over the past week with substitute appearances in the victories over Swansea and Southampton, Henderson is looking forward to being part of a bright new era with Klopp at the helm.

The German coach has transformed Liverpool’s fortunes with seven wins out of their last eight games ahead of Sunday’s trip to lowly Newcastle United.

“The lads have been outstanding, especially over the last month or so,” Henderson said.

“We’ve really taken it up a gear and you’ve seen that in the performances and the results. Now I want to contribute.

“The manager is full of energy and very passionate - you can see that when he talks to the press or has meetings with us.

“On the training field he comes across very energetic and passionate and wants us to be like that - high intensity - when we are playing.

“Our performances of late have been high quality with and without the ball and he has got that message across very clearly.

“If you are performing well and winning games then confidence grows and grows and you build momentum.”

'It's all been a bit mad, hasn't it?'

When Henderson limped away from the win over Bournemouth in August, the Reds had six points out of six under Brendan Rodgers.

In the skipper’s absence, the season descended into crisis with Rodgers’ sacking swiftly followed by the appointment of Klopp, whose impact was instant.

Henderson said: “It’s all been a bit mad, hasn’t it?

“You feel helpless when things aren’t going well and you want to be in the team to try and turn things round and make things right.

“Then, on the other hand, when the team is doing very well you want to be part of it, you want to be playing.

“I’ve tried to focus on my responsibilities as captain. I tried to take responsibility off the field with anything the lads needed and still supported them by going to all the games, home and away, and trying to stay involved in that way.

“It is hard when you are in your suit or your tracksuit and you are not getting stripped or taking part. I’ve had issues going on but at the same time I need to think about them and what they need. It was important for me to be there for the lads.”

'At the minute we are looking very strong'

Klopp quickly reassured Henderson, who was appointed captain by Rodgers in July, that he would retain the honour of wearing the armband.

Now the 25-year-old midfielder finds himself competing with the likes of Lucas Leiva, James Milner, Emre Can and Joe Allen for a starting spot.

“The manager has been brilliant to be fair,” Henderson said.

“He made me feel at ease.

“At the minute we are looking very strong. Look at the people who didn’t play at Southampton - Christian, Milly, Firmino, Clyne, Coutinho, Flanno, Ingsy and Joe Gomez.

“There are a lot of good players who didn’t play and it was still an incredible performance. We have got good depth and we are very confident at the minute. We have to keep that consistency and that confidence high.

“We have a game every four or five days really, so the squad will have to be rotated in terms of keeping everyone fresh and fit.”

'Abuse will be like music to my ears'

With Can suspended, Milner is expected to return to the starting line-up on Sunday. Henderson may have to settle for another outing off the bench as he builds up his match fitness.

Considering his ties with Sunderland, a hostile reception is always guaranteed for him at St James’ Park but it will drive him on.

“It will be like music to my ears because it means I am back playing,” Henderson added.

“The lads like it to be honest. A few of the lads got that against Southampton and it didn’t affect them one bit. They thrived on it.

“I am over the moon that I am back training and back on the pitch playing football. It doesn’t matter what people are shouting, I am just delighted to be back.”