Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has revealed that he is relishing his side's match against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

The Sunderland-born England international, who moved to Merseyside from the North-East in 2011, is fully fit to face the Magpies after a period out with injury.

Henderson told Liverpool's official website that his Sunderland roots will give him an extra boost to play Newcastle this weekend.

"I've been away from Sunderland for a long time now but it's always in your blood. My family are big Sunderland fans," the 27-year-old said. "It's always nice to play against Newcastle – especially when we win."

Henderson also backed his finishing as he makes a return to the Reds' first team, saying: "I used to be told to [shoot from range more]. In training, I would do it quite a lot in shooting sessions and I was quite good at times.

"I think my finishing is quite good, but when it comes to a game I'm probably a little bit unselfish – laying people in. I've always been encouraged to do it more."

Should Henderson play against Rafael Benitez's side, it will be the 11th time he has faced Newcastle in his career.