Henderson says there is 'no reason' why he can't keep playing for England

Jordan Henderson believes that his recent move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq should not hamper his chances of being selected to play for England.

In an interview with BeanymanSports, the former Liverpool captain also revealed that his desire to work with Steven Gerrard was a major factor in deciding to move to Saudi Arabia.

Henderson played alongside Gerrard at Anfield, and after the former Aston Villa manager became Al-Ettifaq boss in July, he moved quickly to secure the services of the England international.

Henderson left Liverpool to sign a £700,00-a-week contract with the Saudi club at the end of July and has received assurances from Gareth Southgate that he will still be in contention to represent his country.

With the Saudi Pro League season set to begin on August 11, the 33-year-old has state that his club form will be crucial to ensuring his selected for England.

He said: 'I'm focused on playing for Ettifaq and playing my best. If I'm doing that then there's no reason why I can't play for England, as the Gaffer said.

'Obviously we spoke over the last few weeks about it because playing for England means a lot to me and I feel as though I can still bring a lot to the team as I have in the last few games, in the World Cup.

'So I still feel as though I can bring a lot. But at the same time I've got to do my job here and if I can do that then hopefully I can make the team as normal.'

Henderson played with Gerrard for four seasons at Liverpool, taking over as captain when Gerrard left his boyhood club to sign for LA Galaxy in 2015.

The pair also featured together for England at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.

It is therefore no surprise that Gerrard's relationship with his former midfield partner was a decisive factor in Henderson deciding to leave Anfield and the Premier League behind.

He said: 'Stevie was a big reason obviously why I came. To work with him and play under him.

'We need to be ready in the first week or so for the first game, but I'm sure we will be. We've had some good training sessions

'So hopefully we can keep moving things in the right direction and definitely work together to try to make the team better and more successful.'

Al-Ettifaq get begin the Saudi Pro League season with a home fixture against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on Monday, August 14.