Gerrard backed to lift Liverpool

STEVEN GERRARD, suspended for the first leg, returns to action as Liverpool face Bayer Leverkusen tonight defending a 3-1 advantage from the first leg.

Despite losing a late away goal at Anfield, a place in the Champions League quarter-final beckons if Benitez’ side can protect their lead.

Benitez hopes his skipper can carry the side into the last eight, highlighting how important the 24-year-old is to the club’s long-term future.