Gerrard shocked and thrilled at getting the armband

GERARD HOULLIER’S decision to hand the captain’s armband to Steven Gerrard was justified — since he already 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.

Houllier said: “Steven was outstanding, 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, who was the focal point of everything good from Liverpool, explained his pride and joy at his new leading role at Anfield.

He said: “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.

“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.”