The 34-year-old midfielder is in talks over a new contract at Anfield as speculation mounts that he could seek a new challenge but the striker is “desperate” for him to stay

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard should remain at the club “for the rest of his life”, says striker Rickie Lambert.

Now 34, Gerrard’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season and is in talks with the club over a new deal, though he was in the spotlight on Saturday when manager Brendan Rodgers rested him from the starting XI in the Reds’ 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke City.

Gerrard – who has made over 600 appearances for his beloved Liverpool – was back in the team for Tuesday’s trip to Leicester City, though, playing a starring role and scoring the second goal in a 3-1 victory.

With speculation continuing to mount regarding his future, Lambert believes that Gerrard should see out his career at Anfield.

“I think I am speaking for everyone involved in Liverpool that we are desperate to keep Stevie,” the Liverpool striker told reporters.

“It’s clear that it’s his decision and the club’s decision but I think he needs to stay at Liverpool for the rest of his life – that’s my opinion.

“Stevie is his own man but he is Mr Liverpool. I am enjoying playing with him, very much so, after years of watching him – and long may it continue.”

Gerrard’s own form has been closely scrutinised in recent weeks but Lambert has no doubts over his quality.

He added: “I think some of the talk is silly; he was always going to come good, as he showed at Leicester.

“He has got more than enough in the tank. He is still one of the best players around for me. Obviously he is not going to play every single game but he showed what he can do.”

After planning permission was granted in September, the Reds are now officially ready to start construction on improvements as they expand the ground to close to 54,000 seats

Liverpool have confirmed that work is set to begin on their expansion of Anfield’s Main Stand.

Since initial plans were announced by Fenway Sports Group in 2012 to revamp the Reds’ current ground rather than to build a new stadium, work has continued behind the scenes to realise the idea, with planning permission granted in September.

Last year’s Premier League runners-up say that, as previously expected, construction work will begin in early 2015 with a view to completion before the start of the 2016-17 season as they expand the stadium’s capacity to around 54,000.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said in a statement: “Since Fenway Sports Group took ownership of the club, we were committed to explore in depth all options for the future of Anfield Stadium. We listened to fans, the community, partners, the Supporters’ Committee and key stakeholders involved in the club.

“It was just over two years ago that we said our preference was to stay at Anfield and here we are today, announcing that the expansion is going ahead. We have made more progress in the past two years than in the last decade.

“Having experience of expanding Fenway Park and being through a similar and very successful project for the Red Sox, everyone at FSG is extremely proud and excited to be part of expanding Anfield Stadium.”

The stadium expansion is part of a wider redevelopment of the Anfield area and will see improved matchday hospitality in the new three-tier version of the stand, which will also house the Hillsborough memorial.

Liverpool revealed in April designs for how the finished ground is intended to look.

The England international pair both moved to Anfield from Southampton this summer and the midfielder is “delighted” to see his friend starting to find his feet with the Reds

Adam Lallana is not surprised by the telling impact that striker Rickie Lambert has made in his last four Liverpool starts.

With Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli ahead of him in the Anfield pecking order, Lambert has been forced to wait patiently for chances to impress since joining his boyhood club from Southampton in June.

But injury problems for Sturridge and Balotelli has seen the 32-year-old handed a prominent role in recent weeks and he has taken full advantage of the chance, netting in back-to-back games against Crystal Palace and Ludogorets.

Lambert’s all-round contribution has also impressed midfielder Lallana, who knows all about his friend’s ability from their time at Southampton.

“He has been brilliant for us in the last four games, coming into the team,” Lallana told the club’s official website. “He has contributed in every game with a goal or assist.

“He has worked hard for this moment and his run of games. I always knew he was going to turn the corner and I’m delighted for him and the team.”

Lallana was on target as Liverpool battled from behind to win 3-1 at Leicester City on Tuesday, a result that followed a 1-0 home triumph over Stoke City.

Reflecting on the Leicester game, the midfielder added: “It was a huge result for us and that’s back-to-back wins. It builds up to the game at the weekend nicely.

“It’s a massive result for us. It has been a big week and we want to finish it well; we have got a great chance to get three points against Sunderland [on Saturday]. That’s what we’ll be aiming to do.”