Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has earmarked Jordan Henderson as the ideal choice to succeed Steven Gerrard as the club's captain when the 34-year-old retires.

Henderson was part of the side that beat AC Milan in their latest pre-season warm-up game and, after a promising season from the England international, Lawrenson believes that he has emerged as a contender.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "When Steven does retire – granted that won't be for a couple more years – I seriously think Henderson is a contender to take that role.

"If you are the manager and you're picking the captain you want to choose someone who is playing every week.

"At the moment, Henderson is one of the first names down every week and that will certainly come into Brendan's mind."

Liverpool's Premier League campaign gets underway at home to Southampton.