Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has agreed a two-year extension to his contract that will keep him at Anfield until at least 2013, the club announced yesterday.

Gerrard, 28, has followed manager Rafa Benitez in pledging his long-term future to the club, who could return to the top of the Premier League this weekend as they chase their first title for 19 years.

"This is fantastic news for the club," Benitez was quoted as saying.

"Steven has once again shown his commitment and it was an easy deal to agree. As soon as we offered him the option he said 'yes'.

"There were no problems at all. He wants to stay for life. This deal sends out another clear message that we are moving forward as a club."

Benitez added: "To know we have a player of Steven's quality with us for many more years is a great boost for the club and the fans.

"He is clearly a player who inspires those around him and even though he is playing very well at the moment, I still think his best years are ahead of him."

Meanwhile, the England midfielder yesterday denied taking part in a bar brawl last year that led to a businessman being injured.

Gerrard was arrested in the early hours of December 29 after police were called to the Lounge Bar nightclub in Southport, north of Liverpool in northwest England.

Company director Marcus McGee, 34, required hospital treatment after receiving facial injuries.

At Liverpool Crown Court, Gerrard pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray in relation to the incident which occurred following his man-of-the-match performance in a 5-1 win over Newcastle United in which he had scored twice.