Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists they'll "rise to the challenge" to replace skipper Steven Gerrard this summer.

Rodgers admitted that the midfielder is irreplaceable as an individual but promised that the tasks ahead will be tackled with determination.

"He's a player and person that is irreplaceable for the club," said the manager. "What he has given over his time here and the standards that he has set are second-to-none.

"We'll go forward at the end of the season, once next week has finished, and we'll have to plot a way to improve come the summer - and that's our challenge.

"In my time here we have lost a couple of players that have both played 700-odd games for the club in Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

"Those two guys have been monumental players for the club, so losing both of those of course is a big blow. You throw in a world-class player in Luis Suarez in that then of course its difficult.

"But we'll rise to the challenge; that's the challenge that we have in the summer, to look to improve and develop. This year has obviously been a very difficult year for us in many aspects.

"But the players have fought and given everything that they possibly can. Hopefully in the summer we can add that quality that the group clearly needs and look to take the opportunity next year."