Reds' rapturous welcome for Gerrard

Steven Gerrard received rapturous applause from Liverpool fans as he paraded the European Cup around the Racecourse Ground prior to kick-off against League Two outfit Wrexham.

Having signed a new four-year deal yesterday – three days after expressing his desire to quit Anfield – Gerrard’s position as captain was reaffirmed by manager Rafael Benitez.

And Gerrard’s name was the first sung by the travelling Liverpool fans, suggesting the Anfield talisman’s astonishing U-turn and subsequent signature has left the Kop largely placated.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League first-round qualifier against TNS, new signings Bolo Zenden and Jose Reina featured in a strong starting line-up before expected wholesale changes at the interval against Wrexham, who paraded their LDV Vans Trophy.