Jordan Henderson backs Sam Allardyce to keep Sunderland up

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has backed Sam Allardyce to save Sunderland from the drop ahead of tonight's Premier League meeting at the Stadium of Light.

Henderson, who came up through the ranks on Wearside, admitted that he wanted three points from his old team, but believes that Allardyce is the man to keep them up.

"He's a good enough manager to keep them up, but the only thing that will be on my mind will be to get the three points," Henderson told reporters.

Sunderland are seven points from safety in 19th place going into tonight's final Premier League game of 2015.

Liverpool, meanwhile, sit 10th and will move up to seventh if they can record back-to-back wins after upsetting then-league leaders Leicester City on Boxing Day.