Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is confident the taunts from Everton fans will only inspire Steven Gerrard in today's FA Cup tie. Benitez knows only too well that Gerrard will have his ears battered by terrace abuse over his court appearance on Friday.

And he says Gerrard's only answer is to ram the taunts down Everton throats by scoring in today's FA Cup Merseyside derby.

"He knows the right answer is to play well and score goals for the team," said Benitez.

"I don't remember a situation like this but, in this case, Gerrard has shown that he's a very good professional. You can see that he's learned things and that he's more mature. I'm not surprised that he's been able to focus on the football because we know him.

"He's a professional and he's someone who likes to perform well, so the main thing for him is to show people that he can give something to his club.

"He has been trying to focus. And I have supported him from the beginning. His reaction has been normal. To train very hard.

"Now we're in a derby match and it's always more important for the local players. But we are talking about an important game in a cup competition and he has to manage.

"He's the captain and the team always needs him."