Houllier: Stephen will be my captain from now on

GERARD HOULLIER’S decision was justified, as Steven Gerrard put in a captain’s performance for Liverpool as they made comfortable progress to the UEFA Cup second round.

The England midfielder was magnificent in the 3-0 destruction of Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana which secured a 4-1 aggregate win.

“Steven was outstanding,” said Houllier, “he had to play a position where he was extremely disciplined and play for the team as a holding midfield player.

“He is getting extremely mature tactically and emotionally. His game was fantastic. Steven will be my captain from now on, the decision has been taken.”

Gerrard was the focal point of everything good from Liverpool, with French teenager Anthony Le Tallec responding on his first start at Anfield with a hugely-impressive display and a debut goal. Houllier was delighted with his fellow countryman: “He is a brave lad, got a bit knocked about but has a great eye for a pass.

“The young boy is new to this place, his involvement was impressive.”

But it was Gerrard who stole the show, the local boy now leading the club he has supported all his life. And Gerrard explained his pride and joy at his new leading role at Anfield.

“The manager has always said that I would captain Liverpool one day, but it was a bit of a shock when he told me I was to be captain from now on, but I am thrilled.

“It is a dream come true. I was captain of my school side and I used to go along to Anfield to watch the team and I always looked up to people like John Barnes who captained the team during the ’90s. I used to watch Barnes with the captain’s armband and dream that one day it would be me captaining the team I love.”

Gerrard’s inspired performance propelled Liverpool into the next round, with goals from Le Tallec, Harry Kewell and Emile Heskey.

He added: “I hope it will have a positive effect on my game. I am very happy with my form at the moment but in the future I am sure this role will help me grow as a player.”