Houllier delighted with captain fantastic

The dynamic 23-year-old midfielder has displayed a remarkable level of consistency throughout a troubled campaign for the Anfield club, with yesterday's gut-busting performance being only the latest lacklustre game to be rescued by the Liverpool-born player's devastating combination of mercurial talent and unrivalled passion.

Houllier said: "I said you haven't played in the first half, so the energy is still there. Go out and use it.

"Steven Gerrard led by example the way he made things happen. He showed he is a good captain. He gave us impetus. He reminded me of the Charlton match last season when we were 1-0 down and he drove us on and scored the winner in time added on - and don't forget he is only 23."