BOSS: WHY I CAN RELY ON STEVIE

Jimmy Rice 25 April 2007 Rafa Benitez has spoken of his ultimate confidence that skipper Steven Gerrard will perform every time he walks out on to the big stage.

The Spaniard knows he can rely on the Huyton-born midfielder when it matters most having witnessed countless inspirational performance over the last few years. Benitez said: "He has the mentality, especially in the key moments, like the final in Istanbul, and in Cardiff. It's his whole character. At this moment, he is a good player. He is ready for the challenge." Despite hailing his captain, the Liverpool boss refused to be drawn into trivial arguments about how Gerrard compares to Chelsea counterpart Frank Lampard. "Both are really good players," said Benitez. "Each one has his own abilities; they are different players, so you cannot say Gerrard is better than Lampard, or Lampard is better than Gerrard. "But now we have a better squad and Stevie can receive support from Mascherano, Alonso, Crouch, Kuyt, other players. Now it is easier for Steve."