Brendan Rodgers today explained why Jamie Carragher's leadership qualities mean he'll have an important role to play for Liverpool over the course of the second half of 2012-13.

The 34-year-old was handed his second Barclays Premier League start of the campaign in Saturday's 5-0 demolition of Norwich City on Saturday and admitted afterwards he's hoping for more action over the coming weeks.

Rodgers was impressed by Carragher's display against the Canaries and feels his organisational qualities make him a key member of his Reds squad.

The boss said: "Jamie has been an absolute model professional. I feel we are a quiet team, and maybe we've needed players who can organise and manage inside the game.

"He's someone who can do that. You need a voice in your team, and you don't get a louder voice that Carra's! If it's not in your nature, it's difficult.

"There are big communicators like Carra, but the small talk within the game is important too. I feel it is important you have players of dominance in your team, and there's no doubt Jamie's got that.

"We've missed the leadership he offers. I put him in [against Norwich] because we've got to kick on and we've got to improve. We've done terrific this season against the teams at Anfield who can make it difficult.

"But in the big games we want to kick on, and for that you need experience, leadership and organisation - just fine lines really that can make the difference for you. That is something I know Jamie has got."

Rodgers spoke recently of his belief that Carragher still has much to offer Liverpool beyond the end of his current contract.

It's a view he still holds.

"We'll just take it week by week - he and I communicate a lot, we know each other's thinking," added the manager on the prospect of a new deal for the centre-back.

"What I know at this stage is he's 35 on January 28, but for me he's still super-fit, in great condition and can still play on."