Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish believes that captain Steven Gerrard is fit enough to play well beyond his early thirties.

The England international, who turns 32 next year, has been preparing for a full return to fitness since suffering a groin injury in March, which kept him out of contention for six months.

Despite the midfielder's contract expiring in two years' time, Dalglish is confident that Gerrard can lead the Premier League side in the long-term future.

"I haven't a crystal ball, I don't know how long [Gerrard] has left, how long it will be," Sky Sports News quotes Dalglish as saying.

"He's not on a Zimmer. He's probably fitter now than he was before. He's still going to be charging forward. Steven won't change.

"Whatever he wants to do we will go along with and for me both him and Carra are fantastic examples. Both of them are two people who everybody else can look up to."

The Reds take on their fiercest rivals Manchester United at Anfield tomorrow.