Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers: 'I won't pick Steven Gerrard because I like him'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he will not select Steven Gerrard to play against Swansea City purely due to "emotional" reasons.

The club captain is available for selection for tonight's match against the Swans at the Liberty Stadium following seven weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Joe Allen and stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson have performed well in the middle of the park during Gerrard's absence, and Rodgers has suggested that the 34-year-old will not be in the starting XI this evening.

"I am respectful," The Telegraph quotes Rodgers as saying. "This guy is one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League and arguably the greatest player of this club, but what I do know is that Stevie always puts the team first.

"I have huge respect for him whether he is playing or not playing and huge admiration as a player and person, but I am not one that makes emotional decisions on whether I like someone or not.

"For me it is about picking and finding the right balance in the team and what makes the team function to ultimately win. He still has big qualities that we will need between now and the end of the season. I don't pick a team on whether I like someone or not."

Gerrard is playing in his final season for Liverpool as he plans to join MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.