'He may be rival for shirt but Hendo has been huge help'

ANDERSON'S VERDICT ON HIS NEW PAL FROM THE NORTH EAST

- BY RYAN TAYLOR

ELLIOT ANDERSON'S rapid rise to England stardom may have dented Jordan Henderson's hopes of reaching the World Cup next summer.

But that hasn't stopped the 35-year-old veteran from playing a backstage role in Anderson's explosive development.

When asked who had helped him make the step up so seamlessly, the Nottingham Forest anchorman revealed after starring on his third consecutive international start against Wales: “Everyone, really. Everyone has been so kind and helpful.

“Jordan Henderson, in particular, has really helped me and coached me through the role a little bit.

“He helps me in training. A lot of people have helped, but probably mainly Jordan.”

Henderson, who last year drove a hire van from Amsterdam to Berlin to support England in the European Championships final after being omitted from Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad, has always cared deeply about his country.