Jordan Henderson: "I love Sunderland"

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has admitted that he still has love for Sunderland ahead of their meeting this afternoon.

Henderson, who began his career with the Black Cats, spent three seasons with the senior side at the Stadium of Light before making a £20m move to Liverpool last summer.

"I'm looking forward to the game," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"I love the club and I get on well with the fans, so I'm looking forward to coming back and acknowledging them.

"It felt strange playing against Sunderland on the first day of the season. [Today] is bound to be a bit odd for me, seeing all the staff again."

The 21-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Reds in his first season at the club.