Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his desire to keep Glen Johnson at Anfield and says he expects contract talks to open before the end of the season.

Johnson will enter the final 12 months of his contract when the season ends, but Rodgers is confident he can keep the England international in his side.

"Glen is a player we want to keep," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

"In terms of his contract, I am sure that is something that will be discussed between now and the end of the season.

"I think Steven Gerrard went down to the last year of his contract last summer before that was sorted.

"I'm sure it's something the owners will take up when the time is right. At this moment in time I am only really concentrating on the football aspect.

"We are all fighting to be best that we can be for the club."

Liverpool youngster Jon Flanagan has been earning good reviews for his performances at right back, but Rodgers says Johnson will be back in the Liverpool squad today’s Premier League game against Swansea, following his recovery from injury.

"Glen will be back in the squad this weekend," Rodgers said.

"He was very restricted in his running ability before but he feels 100% better. He looks as good as he has looked for a long time.

"To have Glen Johnson feeling that way, we know we have a really good player coming back."