Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson has hit out at suggestions that he is not good enough to play at middle linebacker.

Brian Urlacher has been strongly linked with a move to the Vikings, which has led to claims that he would replace Henderson in the side.

Henderson, however, has promised to use the anger of the situation to help improve his game.

"Coach told me all the time, 'play angry, you're too nice sometimes; play angry,'" Henderson told ESPN. "I haven't been more pissed in - I couldn't tell you.

"I don't think I've ever been this pissed in my entire life, to just hear people talk about stuff that they have no idea what they're talking about.

"I guess it's getting to a point now where it's like, 'Dang, I just want a little bit of respect.' I'm not asking you to call me the greatest linebacker to ever play the game yet. Maybe one day we might get to that point, but show me a little bit of respect for what I've done and what I've accomplished in this league."

Henderson made 80 combined tackles in 14 appearances last season.