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.