Brendan Rodgers expects Jordan Henderson to 'blossom' with the additional responsibility of serving as Liverpool captain this season.

The Sunderland-born midfielder has taken up the armband this summer following the departure of legendary former skipper Steven Gerrard.

Henderson acted as Stevie's deputy last term, a fact that Rodgers believes will help the 25-year-old grow into the role.

And, speaking exclusively to LFCTV during the 2015 pre-season tour, the manager explained his thinking behind choosing Jordan.

LFCTV GO subscribers can watch the manager's interview in full below>>

Watch the video here »

He said: "You can imagine it was in my mind last season when I was aware, in particular, that Stevie was going to be moving on.

"I wanted to look at someone who would be a great ambassador on and off the field because it’s not just about captaining Liverpool, you have a huge responsibility for the players and the supporters on a worldwide basis.

"So it was going to take somebody who is going to be strong-willed and has a strong mentality, but is also a wonderful role model.

"Obviously Jordan was one of the players that I thought about, but once I saw him grow and develop as the vice-captain then I felt pretty sure that this would be the season he could be the captain.

"He has taken to the role very well. He’s had a perfect role model in Stevie, he’s been on the shoulder of Stevie for a year to see how it all works and he’ll have picked up a lot from him.

"Like I said to him when I told him he would eventually be the captain – 'have your own ideas, have your own ways of doing it and do it your way'.

"He’s an outstanding player and I think you’ll see him really blossom with that captaincy."

Rodgers has yet to reveal who will succeed Jordan as vice-captain this season but says he already has a player in mind already.

"I haven’t announced anything yet or spoken to the players on it yet, but I’ve got an idea who I’d want that to be," he added.