Last Updated: Sat, 09 Feb 2013 10:42
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that captain Steven Gerrard has what it takes to continue for another few years.
In the aftermath of Jamie Carragher's announcement to retire from football at the end of the season, the Northern Irish manager insists that Gerrard has the ability to adapt and continue performing at a high standard.
Rodgers admits that his captain did not hit the highs expected in the opening stages of the term, but is confident that he has been able to adjust to new tactics and ideas brought in.
The former Swansea boss pointed to the 33-year-old's midweek performance in the international friendly against Brazil, pointing to the fact that he was asked to play in a more withdrawn role but still excelled.
"I think it was difficult for him at the start of the season: a new manager coming in, he'd not long returned from the European Championships which was obviously a disappointment for him and he was straight into the big games," said Rodgers.
"His standard has always been there but maybe he has not got recognition for that because the team was not quite at the level.
"You see him on the field, his range of passing, his touch and his leadership qualities and his influence is getting stronger for me."
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