Gary McAllister has hailed Jordan Henderson's leadership qualities after a strong start to the season for the Liverpool skipper.

The former Sunderland man endured an injury-disrupted 2015-16 campaign but has been an ever-present for the Reds in the Premier League so far this term.

He has performed impressively in a new role as Jürgen Klopp's midfield anchorman, featuring prominently in his team's ascent to the summit of the English top-flight.

His efforts at club level were recently rewarded on the international stage, when he was named England captain in interim boss Gareth Southgate's second game in charge.

And he will again take up the honour on Tuesday evening as the Three Lions face Spain in a friendly fixture at Wembley.

McAllister believes the 26-year-old deserves everything that comes his way after evidencing his quality and influence for Liverpool on a weekly basis.

"He’s always been a consistent performer but this season I think he’s had the most passes in the Premier League to date," the former Scotland international told Liverpoolfc.com.

"That comes with confidence as well, he’s a player who’s looking to get on the ball and get touches.

"I think he’s becoming very, very influential and he’s a good leader – [England manager] Gareth Southgate thinks that as well.

"It’s been a very good start for the captain.

"He’s dictating the pace of the game and he’s one of the guys who’s very good at pressing, which is part of Liverpool’s tactics at this moment in time."