Thompson tips Gerrard to be the best

"I have faced Gerrard on numerous occasions and for me he is a world-class player in a top-notch midfield," he said ahead of tonight's 'Battle of Britain' UEFA Cup game. "He is the one who sticks out for me, he is quality.

"If he is on his game then he is similar to Vieira at Arsenal, they take some stopping.

"I put him in the league alongside Vieira and Roy Keane, with a few more years' experience he can get even better."