Benitez hails skipper Gerrard

Steven Gerrard will appear in his 80th European match for Liverpool on Tuesday night with a ringing endorsement from his manager.

Gerrard, who was only a second-half substitute in Liverpool´s 0-0 draw at Portsmouth on Saturday after two demanding England matches, will reclaim the captain´s armband against Porto in their Estadio do Dragao fortress for their opening Champions League Group A clash.

Boss Rafael Benitez said: "Steven is so important for us. Since I have been at the club he has been the most influential player."

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