Andrew Surman hails 'incredible' work done by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson

Reds’ skipper Henderson took a leading role in the #PlayersTogether campaign which was launched earlier this month.

The player-driven initiative was set up by top-flight stars to help the NHS and provide funding for those fighting COVID-19 on the front line.

Cherries vice-captain Surman told the Daily Echo: “I have to take my hat off to Jordan Henderson for what he has done with the fund he has set up.

“It is an incredible thing that he and whoever else is involved has done and I know some of the lads have put into that, which is a great gesture from him and he deserves a lot of credit for that.

“If anyone can give anything back to people who work for the NHS then it is absolutely incredible.”

Surman, who has played more than 200 games for Cherries in all competitions, was speaking after he donated £10,000 to a fundraiser for Southampton Hospital Charity earlier this month.

The former Saints star, who lives in Hampshire, took the decision with his wife Laura to give the substantial contribution towards a charity they had a connection with.

And the 33-year-old believes anything his fellow professionals can to do help the cause “is setting the right example”.

“It is important,” said the Johannesburg-born midfielder.

“The football club is the focal point of any town or city.

“I just think sometimes footballers get a bit of bad press but there are so many donations going to different charities anonymously.

“I know a lot of footballers who put money into charity work and I think it is great.

“If we can play a part, it is being a role model, it is setting the right example. Not just myself but other people are also trying to set the right example and trying to help out where they can.”

Surman has made nine appearances for Cherries in all competitions this season.

He, like the rest of his team-mates has been training from home with the Premier League currently suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19.