Murphy on Gerrard's future at Anfield

By J Wade
February 1 2005

Danny Murphy is hoping Steven Gerrard does not turn his back on Rafael Benitez's Anfield revolution at the end of the season, to join a team who are going to win trophies.

As Murphy prepares to go head to head with good mate Gerrard at The Valley tonight, the former Red has revealed he'd hate to see Liverpool lose their inspirational skipper. Gerrard has made no secret of the fact he'll re-assess his future in the summer and with some of the richest club's in Europe keep a close eye on developments Liverpudlians are understandably concerned.

Despite leaving Anfield for Charlton in the summer, Murphy still counts himself a fan of the club he served commendably for seven years and, like everyone else, he hopes Gerrard stays.

"From a Liverpool fans point of view - and I am still a supporter - the idea of Stevie leaving the club is something nobody wants to contemplate," says the Addicks midfielder ahead of tonight's clash.

"You just can't replace a player like that. It doesn't matter how much money someone offers you, you're never going to get someone who can do what he can.

"Stevie's said it's something he's going to look at when the season's over and I know he'll be a lot happier to see a player of the calibre of Fernando Morientes at the club. That's the quality of signing Liverpool needs to convince him to stay. Murphy on Gerrard's future

"From a Liverpool fans point of view - and I am still a supporter - the idea of Stevie leaving the club is something nobody wants to contemplate."

"Being in the League Cup final also helps because I know how much he wants to lift trophies as a Liverpool player. If Liverpool can go further in the Champions League, it will all help to make sure Stevie stays. As a supporter, obviously I hope he does."

Murphy knows all about the many qualities Gerrard possesses and is therefore well aware of how difficult it will be when he lines up in opposition to him tonight. He admits it will be a strange experience but it's one he's relishing.

"It's something I've been looking forward to all season," Murphy adds.

"Stevie and I have been speaking about this for ages and thinking how strange it will be. As a player, you always want to test yourself against the best and as far as I'm concerned there's no midfielder in the world better than Stevie.

"And I'm not just saying that because he's my mate. Offensively, defensively, and in terms of athleticism and goalscoring from midfield, there's no-one better.

"I'm not sure what role he'll be playing tonight because I know he's been playing in a more forward role, but with Didi Hamann suspended I'd expect him to be against me in the middle. We should see quite a bit of each other and there'll be a lot of banter going on.

"I won't be so stupid as to get involved in many 50-50 balls against him, that's for sure.

"It's always strange playing against your mates. You give each other lots of respect, but you can't let that get in the way of your performance.

"Stevie and I will definitely be swapping shirts at the end of the game. Everyone wants a Liverpool jersey with Gerrard's name on the back, although to be honest, I'm not sure how many in Liverpool will want a Charlton top with my name on it!"