JORDAN HENDERSON is confident he can handle the expectation of his big-money move to Liverpool.

Henderson made a surprise £16million transfer from Sunderland last month to become the first of Kenny Dalglish’s summer arrivals.

The 21-year-old will have a major battle for a starting role, with Liverpool also adding Charlie Adam to a central midfield that already boasts the likes of Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raul Meireles and Jay Spearing.

But the England Under-21 international, who will appear in tonight’s friendly against Galatasaray in Istanbul, is determined to grasp his opportunity.

“There are big expectations and demands (here), but that comes with football – you’re going to get that wherever you go and it’s about how you deal with it,” said Henderson.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ll just keep working as hard as I possibly can and hopefully I can put some good performances in for Liverpool.

“Liverpool is a massive club and I’m grateful to be part of it.

“It probably hasn’t sunk in properly yet, but I’ll keep working hard, keep doing the things I was doing at Sunderland and hopefully I can improve.”

Having been given an extended break following his involvement with England at the UEFA European Under-21 Championships last month, Henderson only started training at Melwood last week.

But the midfielder has already been impressed by his new manager Kenny Dalglish, and believes he can progress under the Scot’s tutelage.

“Everyone knows what he is like – he is a brilliant manager and just as brilliant as a person,” said Henderson. “He’s been great with me and with everyone, and he is someone that you look up to.

“The manager is one of the best managers around and he can help me with my own career and with the rest of the lads as well. I think that’s great for everyone and I’m looking forward to working with him and everybody else.”

Liverpool are looking to offload a number of players in the coming weeks, with Milan Jovanovic among those deemed surplus to requirements.