sport news Jordan Henderson missing out on 's play-off final but is aiming for ...

Ordinarily, Jordan Henderson would be at Wembley on Sunday to cheer on his boyhood heroes and former club Sunderland in their play-off final against Charlton.

Instead, he'll be flying back from Marbella where Liverpool have been in camp preparing for their Champions League final against Tottenham. Even the staunchest Mackem wouldn't begrudge that as an 'excuse'.

The all-English final in Madrid on Saturday night is huge for Liverpool, but for Henderson also.

Jordan Henderson is determined to seal Champions League glory with Liverpool

Jordan Henderson is determined to seal Champions League glory with Liverpool

After coming so close to glory on many occasions – two European finals, a World Cup semi-final with England and second in the Premier League with 97 points – victory this time would see him follow in the footsteps of Emlyn Hughes, Phil Thompson, Graeme Souness and Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captains lifting the European Cup.

'It has been difficult to take but I think I've reacted well each time,' says Henderson frankly about past near misses. 'You go through all the different emotions and then it's a case of: "Okay, let's go again".

'That is just the way I am and will be until I finish playing. You try even harder to get an opportunity again and, when you do, you need to take it.

'Hopefully the outcome is different this time and I can say we've won a big trophy.'

There are compelling cases for either English club becoming European champions. Tottenham were just seconds away from elimination against Ajax in their semi-final. Liverpool's own comeback, from 3-0 down against Barcelona to winning 4-3 on aggregate, may never be bettered.

Henderson wants to follow the likes of Steven Gerrard by lifting the Champions League

Henderson wants to follow the likes of Steven Gerrard by lifting the Champions League

Henderson would ordinarily be watching his boyhood club Sunderland in the play-off final

Henderson would ordinarily be watching his boyhood club Sunderland in the play-off final

Henderson plays alongside several Spurs players for England and sees similarities in the two clubs.

Spurs haven't bought a single player in the last three transfer windows while all of Liverpool's 10 outfield starters from last season's Champions League final against Real Madrid are still at the club.

'Tottenham haven't made signings but that can help a team. You get a unity and togetherness they have in abundance,' says the midfielder. 'I wasn't surprised they beat Manchester City (in the quarter-finals) and have reached the final.

'Stability has helped us as well. We did have some new faces at the start of the season but they settled in really well because the other players helped them feel at home. The longer you're together as a team, the stronger you get.

'That spirit has helped us against Barcelona. If we play with the same intensity again, with and

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