Benitez: off-form Gerrard feeling effects of England duty

LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard is paying the price for his recent outings with England.

Gerrard played in both Euro 2008 qualifying wins over Israel and Russia, despite being a doubt with a broken toe.

And Benitez said: “It could be that playing twice for England has had an impact.

“They (England) knew (what I felt about him playing in both games) — but everyone was talking about how important this situation was for England.”

Since his return from international duty, the 27-year-old midfielder has seemed to be struggling for top form, while Liverpool have failed to impress in goalless draws against Portsmouth and Birmingham.

Gerrard came on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw at Fratton Park but started last week’s 1-1 draw with Porto in the Champions League as well as Saturday’s Anfield clash against Birmingham.

Benitez added: “His national team is England but it is clear that these players cannot play every game for 90 minutes.

“Gerrard was not 100% physically fresh, I don’t mean fit but fresh.”

Meanwhile, teenager Jack Hobbs is standing by for his Liverpool debut with the full backing of Anfield lynchpin Jamie Carragher.

The 19-year-old, signed from Lincoln little more than a year ago, is expected to play in central defence at Reading tonight in the Carling Cup.

It is a case of ‘needs must’ for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, with key defender Daniel Agger out injured.

But Hobbs will likely be part of a Liverpool side full of youngsters and squad players for the third round tie.

Said Carragher: “Jack has done very well and we have been impressed with him in training.

“People sometimes complain about the amount of foreign players coming in, so it is good that a good English lad can get the chance to show what he can do.

It is also expected that Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will figure in the tie, as well as winger Sebastian Leto for the Reds.

Tonight’s Carling Cup Fixtures (7.45pm): Arsenal v Newcastle, Blackpool v Southend, Burnley v Portsmouth, Luton v Charlton, Man City v Norwich, Reading v Liverpool, Sheff Utd v Morecambe, West Brom v Cardiff.