Brendan Rodgers is eager to prolong Steven Gerrard's Liverpool career - and the boss is hopeful that contract talks can be held with the skipper before the end of the season.

Gerrard has played every minute of the Reds' Barclays Premier League campaign this year - his longest unbroken spell of league football since 2008.

Rodgers insists the midfielder remains indispensable to the club and took time out to hail the 32-year-old's youthful enthusiasm for the game.

"Steven Gerrard is a unique player," said the manager.

"When he came on at Oldham it was like someone had dropped him from heaven into the game. We went to a totally different level when he came on.

"This is a top, top player who gives so much quality but also enthusiasm. At 32 years of age, he still looks so fit, so strong and you can see his influence on the team."

On Gerrard's contract, the boss commented: "As yet I don't believe anything has been done.

"Steven and I have spoken a number of times. His feeling the last time we spoke was let's get through this season and see how that goes. His focus is on really helping the group to go forward.

"There's no doubt that between now and the end of this season the contract will be looked at.

"With each day that goes on you see the real importance he still has to the club."

Rodgers also revealed how he holds regular conversations with the club's American owners during which he informs them of the importance of the Reds' captain.

"They watch all the games from afar. I have regular dialogue with them," said Rodgers. "I can only feed back in terms of his qualities both as a player and as a leader of the club.

"It's not like they don't get to know about it. As a captain he's been phenomenal."