Preston striker Neil Mellor hailed Steven Gerrard's contribution for Liverpool in their FA Cup victory on Saturday.

Neil Mellor, who has remained close friends with the England midfielder since ending his seven-year stay at Liverpool, said: "As soon as he gets on the football pitch, that's Steven Gerrard for you.

"The way he put one on a plate for Torres just proves that. He could have been selfish, but it was a brilliant captain's performance.

"I think he's the best in the world when you take everything into consideration. I know Cristiano Ronaldo is a great individual player but Gerrard has everything. He doesn't have a bad game.

"He can play five or six different positions and still looks the best player on the pitch. There are not that many players in the world who have that sort of versatility and quality."