Video: Rodgers’ post-Wimbledon interview — hails “world class” Gerrard

After watching his side edge past Wimbledon 2-1 on Monday night, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Steven Gerrard, saying: "I've always said he's a world class player, maybe getting older and maybe at times the legs fatigue a wee bit, but he's absolute top draw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBXDAagU1Cc
Video: YouTube user Mr Beanyman

Gerrard scored a goal in either half to set up an FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield later this month.

"He's got that real sprinkling of quality that this team needs. His two goals tonight were fantastic."

Rodgers was relieved his side managed to avoid a potential banana skin, admitting their performance levels dipped as the first half wore on before improving after half-time.

"It was a very tough game, congratulations to them – I think any coach or manager will tell you, you come to a stadium like this here and that type of game is very, very difficult," he said.

"I thought we started the game well, how we would want to, but then we lost our shape within the game and we presented them with chances by giving the ball away.

"We adapted at half-time and in the second half we could have had a few more chances but we still had to defend right the way through to the end.

"I've got to give a bit of testament to my players. We showed the character to come through and get the second goal and really – should have had two or three more."

PA