Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard says the standards of the Premier League have continued to improve.

Gerrard made his 600th appearance for the Reds on Sunday against Newcastle United.

He told liverpoolfc.com: "I think it has become more difficult. It's become more physical, quicker and the standard has got better. Each year as I have gone along in the Premier League, the league has improved and become harder.

"You have to make more sacrifices, you have to practise more, learn more and you have to adapt to the standard because the foreign players who come into our game each year become better and better. Being a British player you have to adapt and improve."