Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina hailed hat-trick hero Steven Gerrard after victory over Everton.

Gerrard made his 400th league appearance on Tuesday night and bagged a stunning treble to sink Liverpool's neighbours.

Reina said: "Stevie is always a key player for us. He is an inspiration, on and off the pitch. He showed in the game he is fully fit now and he is coming back strong.

"We all love playing against Everton because they are special games. For local lads like Stevie, Spearo (Jay Spearing) or Carra (Jamie Carragher), those games mean a lot - and the rest of us know how important they are for the club."