Dalglish hails Gerrard influence

Kenny Dalglish believes that ‘rare talent’ Steven Gerrard has the attributes to play for Liverpool for as long as he wants to.

The Reds manager became the third-oldest man to represent the club when he played aged 39 while Ted Doig, at 41, is the oldest.

The Scot poked fun at himself by indicating his role of player/manager was behind him playing on for so long but suggested that Gerrard will be a key member of the team for many years to come.

“I only played at that age because I selected the team,” the 61-year-old joked.

“But Steven (Gerrard) can do anything he wants, because he is a rare talent.”

“Whatever is going to happen, while he is here he will be a fantastic asset for us – and Stevie will look after himself because all the lads know how to look after themselves these days.”

“If anybody wants to be a player at that age there is an important role to be played off the pitch as well as on it.”

“Stevie can play wherever he wants. We know he is going to be here, giving us the best service he is capable of giving anybody like he has done so far and we’ll go along with that and manage Steven as well he manages himself, and who knows what can happen.”

The England international returned from injury to inspire the Reds to victory in the Merseyside derby on Tuesday night, netting a fantastic hat-trick in the process.

Dalglish moved to hail the midfielder’s long-term importance to the club, while suggesting his team just need to find some belief to finish off chances he can create.

“It’s a rare thing to have someone like him play as a one-club man for their entire career,” he said.

“There’s only a few around now. John Terry would be one and there are a couple along the East Lancs Road. We’ve got a couple here (Jamie Carragher).”

“They are fewer and farther between than they used to be, but everyone who does it, it is because they have the ability to do it and they are at a fantastic club.”

“Steven has maintained an incredible level. He sets the standard.”

“The first thing to do is create the chances, the second is to believe we are good enough finish them off and the third thing is to put them away.”