Gerrard: Jay's been superb
Steven Gerrard today hailed Jay Spearing as one of Liverpool's players of the season so far and backed the midfielder to enjoy a long and successful future at the club.
Spearing turned in an outstanding display in Tuesday's 3-0 Merseyside derby victory over Everton at Anfield - a performance perhaps only overshadowed by that of his captain, who netted an historic hat-trick.
It came as no surprise to Gerrard, however, who believes the 23-year-old has taken great strides forward in his development this season.
"I think he's been consistent all season," he said. "Every time the manager has called on him, Jay has been superb.
"He was up against Jack Rodwell. People talk about him as a £25million player and England's future, well I think Jay more than matched him if not was better than him.
"Jay is growing, he's getting better and better and has a massive future at this club.
"We're really pleased to have him. He's such an unselfish player who keeps it ticking. You have to play with him to appreciate him. He's a top lad.
"Kenny has seen in training that he's good enough. He had the faith in him. Previous managers maybe haven't trusted that he could do it but Kenny gave him his chance and he hasn't let Kenny down. He's been one of our better players for sure."
After their derby glory, Liverpool will turn their attentions to the FA Cup this weekend as they aim to overcome Stoke City at Anfield and secure a return to Wembley for a semi-final tie.
And Gerrard is calling for another 'big performance' from the Reds.
"It's a massive game and we need to treat it like the Cup final - it's as simple as that," he said.
"We need to put in a big performance because we want to take the supporters down to Wembley for a second time.
"It would be a fantastic achievement if we could get to Wembley twice."
Victory over Everton ended Liverpool's run of three defeats in the Barclays Premier League and moved them 10 points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
Having secured the Carling Cup this season, Gerrard feels the Reds have made progress, but believes the team need to find a level of consistency in the top flight.
Nonetheless, with 10 games to go, no-one at Melwood is ready to concede hopes of securing Champions League football.
"It is a mountain to climb but we will not give it up until it is mathematically impossible," said Gerrard. "At times against the teams outside the top four we have been inconsistent. To do well in this league, you need to beat the teams who are down there as well.
"You can talk about luck, things not going your way, but you have to take responsibility for putting the ball in the back of the net and against Everton it worked out for us.
"The performances have been really good. The big picture is that the squad is a lot stronger and we are moving forward. But unless we can get the ball in the back of the net and have an end product we are going to find ourselves sixth or seventh in the league and that's not what we want.
"The league is getting stronger and stronger each year. To finish in the top four you have to be consistent.
"You can't choose when you turn up. You can't be eight out of 10 one week and then two or three out of 10 otherwise teams down there will beat you - as the games at Bolton and Sunderland showed.
"If you don't turn up and compete against these sides you get beat."