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Jordan Henderson boasts an enviable Merseyside derby record.

On the five previous occasions the in-form Liverpool FC midfielder has lined up against Everton FC he has yet to taste defeat.

At Goodison Park, Anfield and Wembley he has savoured the sweet feeling of being a derby winner and he’s gunning for the Blues’ scalp once again when Brendan Rodgers’ side head across Stanley Park on Saturday lunchtime for the 221st meeting between the old rivals.

“The derbies are always fantastic games to play in,” Henderson told the ECHO.

“They’ve gone pretty well for me so far and hopefully that will continue.

“Both sets of fans are very passionate and that always makes for a brilliant atmosphere.

“As a player, these are the kinds of games you want to be playing in. We know how much a win means to the fans.

“I played in the North East derby when I was at Sunderland and the intensity is very similar.

“There is no getting away from the fact that it’s a big game. I’m really looking forward to this one at Goodison.

“We are going there in good form. We want to carry on where we left off before the international break.

“We’ve got a couple of days training now to get ready for the weekend and to ensure we’re ready to fire again.”

The stakes are always high on derby day but this time they are raised by the fact that both clubs are inside the top six and out to prove they are serious contenders for Champions League qualification this term.

A victory for Liverpool would, if only briefly, propel them back to the Premier League summit and move them six points clear of Roberto Martinez’s side.

However, to achieve that, the Reds will need to inflict Everton’s first home league defeat since last December.

Henderson respects the progress the Blues have made under Martinez, but he says a Goodison derby holds no fears for Liverpool, who ruthlessly thrashed Fulham 4-0 in their last outing.

“Everton are a brilliant team with some really good players,” he said.

“They have done really well so far this season and have beaten some big teams, including Chelsea at home.

“They have got a very good home record and they work well as a team. We have to make sure we don’t allow them to build up momentum early on.

“We need to be right on top of them from the start and keep playing the kind of football we have been playing.

“We will look forward to the challenge. We certainly feel like we’re good enough to go there and get a positive result. It would be a big statement if we could win there.”

For the likes of Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho, Aly Cissokho, Victor Moses and Luis Alberto, it will be their first experience of a Merseyside derby.

However, Henderson insists whoever manager Brendan Rodgers calls upon will be able to handle the occasion.

“They might not have played in this fixture before but they are all experienced players who have played in big games and great atmospheres elsewhere,” he said.

“I don’t think they will need any advice. They will be able to cope.”

Henderson also has no concerns about the fact that Luis Suarez isn’t due back on Merseyside until late tonight.

The prolific striker was set to help Uruguay wrap up World Cup qualification against Jordan in Montevideo in the early hours of today before embarking on the 7,000-mile journey home.

Suarez will only have one training session back with the Reds prior to the derby but his team-mate says there is little chance of fatigue affecting his performance.

“To be honest, Luis could arrive back Saturday morning and go straight to Goodison and he would still be ready to play – he’s that good,” Henderson said.

“I’m sure Luis will be ready for the derby. All the travelling won’t bother him at all.

“I’m sure he will get plenty of sleep on that plane back from Uruguay and he will be raring to go against Everton.”

Henderson returned to Melwood yesterday having spent the past week with three players he will line up against at Goodison on Saturday.

Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Ross Barkley were team-mates on England duty but talk of the derby was largely off limits.

“There was a little bit of banter flying around but not much as we were all focused on the games against Chile and Germany,” he said.

Henderson earned his sixth and seventh caps as he made promising cameo displays in both friendly defeats.

His recall to the senior squad for the first time since Euro 2012 was reward for his outstanding club form.

“I really enjoyed being back around the squad,” added Henderson, who has been ever present in the Premier League so far this term.

“Getting to know all the lads and getting some football as well was pleasing.

“It was obviously a disappointing result against Germany but for me personally it was nice to get out and have a taste of international football again.

“In the first half we started really well and were unlucky to go in at half-time 1-0 down. In the second half we kept going and kept trying to get back into the game but it wasn’t to be.

“I don’t think there’s a huge gulf between England and the top teams. We have some world class players and you saw that against Germany with how we started the game. We played some great football at times.

“We just have to keep building ahead of the World Cup and keep working hard when we come together.

“I just have to learn from the experience and hopefully kick on at my club. If I do that then hopefully come the game against Denmark in March I’ll be back in the squad again.

“The key for me is doing well for Liverpool. That starts with a big game against Everton on Saturday.”