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LIVERPOOL -- Jordan Henderson has insisted Steven Gerrard can play on for several more years and told fans to ignore criticism of the Liverpool captain. Gerrard has been under fire as Liverpool have struggled this season, with some suggesting their long-serving skipper does not deserve his place in the team anymore. But vice-captain Henderson believes Gerrard is doing everything possible to extend his career and feels his leadership is invaluable. The younger midfielder is not worried by damning assessments of his colleague, telling ESPN FC: "I wouldn't listen to that. Stevie is one of the best captains in world football for me and not only at Liverpool -- for England as well. When he was captain there, he was fantastic so for us as younger players. Looking up to someone like that is priceless. "I think he is in top condition. He works really hard on the training field and inside at the gym as well to keep himself in the best shape and I think he looks fine, he looks fresh and he is looking to play every game we have." Gerrard, 34, is in the last year of his current contract at Anfield but Henderson, who was speaking as Liverpool's whole squad visited the club's Academy last week, feels he can carry on into his late thirties. "Still a few more years for me," he said. "I think he is still at a very high level. His body is still in good condition so I think he has got a long time before he even considers that [retirement] really." Liverpool, who have lost their last four games in all competitions, face Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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