Rafa demands Gerrard must lead Reds’ revival

RAFAEL BENITEZ has called on his captain Steven Gerrard to shoulder the responsibility of leading Liverpool to glory despite the club’s injury nightmare.

Gerrard, now back in his favoured central midfield role grabbed a goal and produced his best all-round performance this season to help the Reds clinch top spot in the Champions League Group C with a 2-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.

He has been at pains to insist he is prepared to play in a right-sided midfield role for the good of the team, but has rarely missed a chance to state a preference for central midfield and was quick to point out after the victory against PSV: “It’s my favourite position and where I like to play.”

But now he is back in the role he wants, Benitez will demand even more.

The Spaniard said: “He must take more responsibility in midfield with Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso both injured. “He must take responsibility and say: ‘I’m here, give me the ball and I will score.’ We hope for these things from our captain.”

Liverpool paid a high price for their group-topping victory. Mark Gonzalez will miss at least three weeks with a torn hamstring while Alonso has a thigh muscle injury and Jermaine Pennant is struggling with a hamstring strain. Alonso and Pennant are major doubts for tomorrow’s home match against Manchester City. Benitez also has Sissoko out until well into next year with a dislocated shoulder, so the emphasis is on Gerrard.

Gerrard, who has now equalled Ian Rush’s record of 14 home goals in the European Cup, scored only his second of the season.

He said: “I’ve been a bit frustrated in front of goal of late so it was nice to see one go in. I’ve been working hard in training, trying to get my form back. It’s not altogether there but I can feel it coming.”

Benitez said: “Now we must concentrate on the Premier League. “All we need now in our league campaign is a bit more luck.”

Meanwhile Liverpool should soon complete the loan signing of 17-year-old Argentinian defender Emiliano Insua.

Insua will sign on loan until the end of the season and complete a proposed £1 million move in the summer.