Rodgers says it's time for others to step up

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Rodgers wants his players to step up in the absence of Steven Gerrard Credit: PA

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned his players they have to start learning to live without Steven Gerrard.

The 34-year-old captain will depart in the summer to pursue a new challenge in Major League Soccer, leaving a huge void behind him.

On so many occasions already he has carried the team but Rodgers said it is time for other players to start realising the responsibility now lies with them.

England midfielder Jordan Henderson was appointed vice-captain earlier in the season after Daniel Agger was sold.

Rodgers said he made that move specifically so Henderson could have time to observe Gerrard at close quarters.

The squad will lose one of their more experienced players next week as veteran defender Kolo Toure is expected to play his last game against AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup on Monday before heading off for his international swansong with Ivory Coast at the African Nations Cup.

Toure is out of contract in the summer and as yet there has been no offer of a new deal and he admits leaving at such a crucial time in the season will not help him secure a new one.

Kolo Toure is expected to play his last game against AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup on Monday Credit: PA