Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that captain Steven Gerrard will be offered a new contract with the Premier League club.

The Reds star has 18 months left on his current deal, but his manager is keen to secure his long-term future quickly.

The Northern Irishman praised the 32-year-old’s influence at the club, claiming he still has many years of service left to give:

"Steven is vital to us and I recognise that.” He is quoted by The Guardian.

“I know he has 18 months left on his contract but I would want him to go beyond that for this club and this team.

“What I would say with Steven is he has a real hunger to succeed. He may be 32 years of age, but he's still got so much left. He applies himself right, he eats well, he recovers well, he works well, he does everything right.

"This is a guy who has led his life right as a football player and that allows you to play well into your 30s.

“I would want him to stay beyond his current contract and extend it. There is absolutely no question about that.

“He has played every minute of every league game for us which shows what an incredible figure for us he is."

He went on to defend Gerrard, who has been criticised by some during the course of this season:

"You look at his stats this season and he is right up there as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League.

“He's at the top in chances created, passing, possession; all the important things. I find it incredible he can have had any criticism at all.

“It is absolutely ridiculous. From seeing him every day working, and seeing him playing in the games, it's incredible.”