The former England captain returned to the Liverpool starting XI against Leicester City and put in a match-winning performance as talks over his new contract continue

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Steven Gerrard is not yet finished despite speculation surrounding his future at the club.

The Reds’ captain returned to the starting XI against Leicester City and thrived in an attacking role, scoring one and playing a part in two more goals as the Anfield outfit ran out 3-1 winners.

Gerrard has been offered a new deal at the club with his current contract up at the end of the season, but the midfielder was not prepared to discuss whether he will remain on Merseyside past the end of May.

Despite that, Rodgers is hopeful that his skipper will remain with the club after showing at the King Power Stadium that he still has the energy to be a key player in the Premier League.

“People talk about being fair with everyone and as a manager and managing certain players, it’s unfair to treat everyone the same, especially someone of Steven Gerrard’s stature,” he told reporters.

“I’ve had a great time watching him from the outside and an even greater one watching him from the inside.

“I have shown in my time at Liverpool and anywhere else I’ve been, and in particular here, that sentiment doesn’t come into it for me. It really doesn’t.

“I pick Steven Gerrard because I still think he can really influence a game of football for us. People were talking when I first came in about if he is going to be able to play and how I work. Last year he was absolutely magnificent with 14 goals so for me no matter, irrespective of the player, the status, for me it what’s best for the team.

“At this moment in time, I know Steven Gerrard, if I can manage him, and he’s training and playing in games, he can still have a real impact for this team. Even though he’s coming up to 35 at the end of this year, he’s still got fantastic qualities, but like every other player, no matter how good they there comes a time when the wheels come out and they’re ready to land, but he’s not ready to land yet.

“You can see from tonight, he’s still got plenty of energy left.”