Tuesday 4 November 2014 11:11, UK
Midfielder Jordan Henderson believes his captain Steven Gerrard can be a big player at Liverpool for years to come.
The Liverpool vice-captain's backing for his skipper came amidst newspaper reports that Gerrard could be left out for Tuesday's Champions League game at Real Madrid.
Gerrard, 34, is out of contract in the summer and he hinted last week he would go to another club to continue his playing career if nothing was forthcoming at Anfield.
Henderson, recently named vice-captain, is seen as Gerrard's natural successor, but he is looking forward to playing alongside his team-mate for a few more seasons yet.
"Stevie is a massive player for us," he said. "He is our captain, our leader and a great role model for a lot of younger lads.
"Hopefully he will be a very big player for us for many years to come."
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, speaking at a press briefing, is quoted as indicating Gerrard may not start at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, with one eye on this weekend's Premier League visit of Chelsea.
He is our captain, our leader and a great role model for a lot of younger lads.
"I don't see it as a gamble," the Northern Irishman said. "This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid I see as a great opportunity for the squad - you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform.
"In Steven's case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn't play (against Real) you could say that was the priority.
Big Games
"Him and I have spoken about that. Three big games, Newcastle, Madrid and then Chelsea. I need to look at a number of players to look at the games we want them to play in."
Rodgers has spoken of the influence of Gerrard, who has played every minute of all 10 Premier League and three Champions League matches this season, and he is keen for the veteran to extend his stay.
First up, however, is tackling reigning champions Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in Group B of the Champions League, a game many have written off for Liverpool following their 3-0 capitulation to the Spanish giants at Anfield last month.
Henderson insists the players are thinking differently.
"It is a huge game," he said. "Real are in a good run of form so it will be a tough test for us but a great opportunity for us to show what we can do and prove people wrong.
"There is still a lot of confidence in the group and team spirit isn't an issue.
"We have had a few people criticising us over the last few games so this is a massive opportunity to prove a few people wrong and see how good we are.
"We know we are not at our best yet but this is a great opportunity to show we are still a top side with great quality in the team and we just need to be a bit more ruthless in the final third.
"We are going into it with a view of getting something out of it."
