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.”

The 34-year-old says he does not know what to do yet about his future but is keen for the focus to be on the side’s performances, rather than his contract negotiations

Steven Gerrard has refused to elaborate on his contract situation with Liverpool and admits he is undecided over his future.

The 34-year-old’s current deal at Anfield expires at the end of the season, although Brendan Rodgers has confirmed an extension has been offered to the midfielder.

“I’ll decide when I’m ready. There’s nothing to say on the contract at the moment,” Gerrard told BT Sport.

“When there is – the fans have known me long enough – I’ll come out and I’ll say what I need to say.”

After starting on the bench in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City, Gerrard returned to the side for Wednesday night’s trip to Leicester City and scored the second goal in a 3-1 win which keeps Liverpool five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

“I think over the last three performances we’ve been superb and we need to keep trying to improve on that,” said the midfielder.

“The reason I don’t want to answer your questions on my contract is because it’s not about me, it’s about the performance and a great three points, and that’s what the headline should be.”

The 34-year-old pounced on a fumbled clearance by Wes Morgan to stroke in the winner for the Reds after Adam Lallana cancelled out a Simon Mignolet own goal opener

Steven Gerrard marked his return to the starting XI with a crucial goal as Liverpool defeated 10-man Leicester City to move into the top half of the Premier League.

The hosts took the lead on 22 minutes when Leonardo Ulloa’s shot found the back of the net via the post and the back of Simon Mignolet, but Adam Lallana pounced to bring the visitors level four minutes later.

And amid speculation over whether he will sign a new contract at Anfield, Gerrard slotted in on 54 minutes after a fumbled clearance from Wes Morgan, who later saw red for a cynical foul, and Jordan Henderson added an easy third late on after an error from Kasper Schmeichel.

More to follow…