Liverpool legend John Aldridge says the prospect of replacing Steven Gerrard is a non-starter.

Gerrard announced yesterday he would not be renewing his current deal, which expires in June.

Aldridge, who scored 63 goals in 104 games for the club, says Liverpool will not be able to find a direct replacement.

"It's a day I have been dreading for a long time," Aldridge told BBC Sport. "He will be hanging up his boots for Liverpool. His boots are unfillable.

"I played against Stevie when I was Tranmere manager and he was 16 playing for Liverpool Reserves against Tranmere Reserves.

"You knew he would be a star. I've been watching Liverpool play for 50 years home and away and he's the best player I have seen for them.

"He is irreplaceable. It's not just on the field, but also in the dressing room where he gets the best out of the players around him."