Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has backed the idea of a Premier League All-Star game between North and South.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly floated the idea at the SALT Conference in New York this week.

The proposal has drawn passionate criticism from across the country, but Gerrard is a fan of the idea.

He told reporters: "From a personal point of view, I'd love to see it. I would've loved to have played in it.

"The north would win it — because Liverpool and Manchester City are the two strongest teams in the league in my opinion.

"But I do agree with what I've heard a few other managers say — and that is in terms of, we've got enough to focus on. There's enough games in the calendar. And that's not from a European point of view, so they must be in an even more difficult situation.

"But I know from managing Rangers, if you're involved in Europe, the last thing you need is another game in the calendar.

"It's a nice idea — one that's outside the box but unfortunately I can't see it happening. I'd love to watch it though. I'd definitely have the popcorn out for that one. It'd be a good one."