The midfielder initially struggled following his £20 million move to Liverpool, but recent performances have put him in the frame for a place in England’s World Cup squad

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects Jordan Henderson to continue improving and has hailed Kenny Dalglish for signing him.

The 23-year-old midfielder has taken time to settle since his big-money move from Sunderland in 2011 – reported to be around £20 million – when Dalglish was in his second spell in charge at Anfield.

Under Rodgers, though, Henderson’s fortunes have transformed dramatically and he is now battling for a place in England’s 2014 World Cup squad and his manager thinks he has every chance of being on the plane to Brazil.

“It was a great buy by Kenny,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. “Jordan didn’t set the fee, for which he’s taken a lot of criticism, but he’s 23, he’s six foot one, he can run all day and technically he’s very strong.

“Tactically, his understanding of when to press and when to stay is getting better all the time. When I came into the club, he was a player I’d heard had a brilliant attitude. That’s what I found.

“He’s a terrific player. He just needs confidence and constant work. He’s been outstanding for me. He’s a mentally tough boy, he’s very strong, and he’s great to work with. He will get better and better.”