Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he is "excited" about the future of the team following Jordan Henderson's decision to sign a new contract with the club.

The Merseyside outfit announced earlier that the midfielder has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at Anfield.

Rodgers believes that by securing Henderson's future, Liverpool have signalled their intentions to challenge for honours in the years to come.

"Jordan is a brilliant professional and his dedication to his career and football in general makes him a role model to all young players," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website.

"He has faced adversity in his time at Liverpool, but his improvement, growth and development is entirely down to his own hunger, commitment and willingness to learn and be better. The fact he has made such a long-term commitment to Liverpool is a sign of his belief in what we are looking to do here.

"He will have a crucial role to play as we look to take this side forward and look to add success to the progress we have made. I am very excited about our future and what this group can achieve together; today's announcement is another important positive step forward."

Henderson has scored seven goals in 49 appearances for Liverpool this season.