KOP News # 1104

Gerrard looking for a hero

League position is irrelevant, says Reds skipper

Last Updated: April 12, 2012 10:35pm

Steven Gerrard: Hoping the hero at Wembley on Saturday will be wearing red.

Steven Gerrard believes Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Everton is the ideal opportunity for someone to make themselves a hero.

It's a role the Liverpool captain has become accustomed to over the years, most recently in becoming the first Reds player to score a hat-trick in a derby at Anfield since Fred Howe in 1935.

But in truth, heroic performances have been in short supply by anyone in a Liverpool shirt this season in what has been a disappointing campaign.

And Gerrard feels a Wembley semi-final against neighbours Everton provides the ideal platform for somebody to make an impact.

"I think it's happened a lot of times, big players have had a big impact on big games but anyone can be the hero on the day," the 31-year-old said.

"It's one of those occasions that's set up so well for heroes. Big games, big heroes - let's hope they're in red shirts."

"This is not only a semi-final is it? It is a semi-final against Everton," he added. "For everyone at this club and everyone at Everton this is massive.

"I'm not going to play it down because everyone knows how big it is for me and everyone at the club.

"FA Cup semi-finals are very big at the best of times, but when you are playing your local rivals there's an extra bit of spice involved and it makes it that bit bigger.

Responsibility

"It's my responsibility and that of the other experienced players in the dressing room to help the younger lads that are going to be involved.

"It's important that we don't get too fired up and lose a man. I've been guilty of that in the past and we will be aware of that.

"There is a big responsibility on the players and supporters that this game gets played in the right manner and it is a fair game and a good game and afterwards people are talking about the good things.

"It does fall on this weekend (of the Hillsborough anniversary) and everyone does need to pay their respects."

Liverpool have been in poor form in the Premier League - in stark contrast to Everton, who have leapfrogged the Reds in the table.

But Gerrard does not think that will have any bearing on his side's approach.

"I don't think the league position's got anything to do with this game and I don't think you need any extra motivation going into a local derby at Wembley in front of 92,000 in an FA Cup semi-final," he said.

"That's the motivation. I don't think any player on the pitch will be thinking about league position once the game starts.

"The thinking will be 'What can we do on this pitch to get into the final?'"