Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Jordan Henderson after the midfielder's goal secured his side a place in the Europa League last 32. Henderson, 22, registered for the first time in European competition as the Reds won 1-0 at Udinese to top Group A.
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"He is a great lad, works hard and has come in over the last month and made a good contribution," said Rodgers.
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"He has the quality to arrive in the box and a finish in him. His hard work is paying off. I'm delighted for him."
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It was only Henderson's third strike since a £16m move from Sunderland in 2011 and he almost doubled the lead with a second-half volley that was tipped over the bar by Daniele Padelli.
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"It was a very good finish and he was unfortunate not to get a second goal as the keeper made a wonderful save," Rodgers added.