Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has talked up the importance of the club tying vice-captain Jordan Henderson down to a new deal.

The Reds' contract dealings have come under heavy scrutiny this season due to the ongoing saga surrounding Raheem Sterling, but it is understood that Henderson is close to signing a new five-year deal that would keep him at Anfield until 2020.

The 24-year-old has emerged as a key player for Liverpool over the last two seasons and has often captained the team in Steven Gerrard's absence this term.

He is currently the favourite to permanently succeed Gerrard when the incumbent skipper departs at the end of the season, and Carragher admitted that he would be "very surprised" if he wasn't handed the job.

"I think he's vitally important. He's an England player and although he's not a local player, the way he performs for Liverpool shows you the passion that he's got," Carragher told Sky Sports News.

"He's a regular for England and without Steven Gerrard he's taken on the role of the captaincy this season. The manager has said it isn't set in stone that he will get it next season but I'd be very surprised if he wasn't.

"His record as captain is very good and he's a player who has grown into playing for Liverpool after a difficult start."

Carragher also insisted that Brendan Rodgers is still the right man to take the club forward despite their recent exit from the FA Cup consigning them to another trophiless season.