MARTIN SKRTEL says the Liverpool players missed vice-captain Jordan Henderson in the Europa League last week and were glad to see him return and score in their Sunday victory over Manchester City.
Jordan Henderson (third right) celebrates his goal against Man City with the Liverpool players
Henderson, 24, was not risked for the clash in Turkey on Thursday that saw Liverpool drop out of the Europa League.
But he started in the Reds' 2-1 triumph against City at Anfield, bagging the opener as the club moved up to fifth in the Premier League.
And centre-half Skrtel was delighted to see the England international back in the midfield.
He said: "Hendo missed the game against Besiktas and we missed him in that game. He had an injury and was a doubt for the game against Manchester City, but we are happy he played and scored that goal.
"It just showed how important he is for the team and showed his character.
"With the goal he scored, I think he should keep that strap for the ankle for every game, if he's going to score goals like he scored!"
Gerrard is sidelined with a hamstring problem and has missed the last five Reds games.
Not that Liverpool have missed their captain after recording four wins during his absence.
The 34-year-old could earn a bench place for the visit of Burnley but is more likely to wait until Liveprool's FA Cup quarterfinal with Blackburn this weekend.
Instead, he will seek to return to Liverpool if current boss Rodgers fails to secure Champions League football for next season.
Italian newspaper Il Mattino report the Spaniard is preparing to leave Naples. And reports in Britain have emerged that suggest he could return north west England, where he still owns a family home.
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