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Jordan Henderson admits playing in a Liverpool FC squad without Steven Gerrard is “unimaginable”.

And so the Reds vice-captain hopes Gerrard signs a new deal and finishes his playing career at Anfield.

Henderson has heaped praise on the Liverpool skipper following his man-of-the-match performance at Leicester City on Tuesday night.

Gerrard scored to put Brendan Rodgers’ side ahead at the King Power Stadium and Henderson has labelled the 34-year-old as a “role model” for everyone in the squad.

“I hope he stays on for as long as he can while he is playing,” said Henderson.

“Even after that, I want him to stay on for as long as possible. He has been the best player, I think, for a number of years.

“Not just for Liverpool but in the Premier League. And I think he still is. I hope we keep him because he is a massive player for us and a great leader.”

Henderson added: “Everyone has got a lot of respect for him. He leads by example.

“He is a top player but he is also a top person. The lads can go to him with anything. He will always help them out and put them first. That is massive as a captain. Everyone gets on really well with him.

“If he was to go, he would be a massive loss. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that.

“With the aura that he has got, he could be a different person. But he is very grounded, very humble.

“We can go to him with anything and he will help us out with anything. That is priceless.

“Then he puts in performances like that. He is a role model to us all.

“Every single member of the squad hope he stays for many years to come.”

Henderson admits the prospect of Liverpool without Gerrard does not bare thinking about.

“Steven knows his own mind and what he wants to do,” he said.

“It is down to him, the club and his representatives to sort it out.

“He is huge for us and we need to keep him for as long as we can.

“Liverpool without Steven Gerrard is unimaginable.

“Nobody wants to lose him – I’m sure the club feel that way as well.”