Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has revealed how Jamie Redknapp had a huge influence on his career.

Gerrard makes the revelation in new book 'Liverpool Captains' written by author Ragnhild Lund Ansnes.

“Redknapp was my hero. I love him as a guy and I loved him as a player. He went out of his way to help me," Gerrard said.

“I was 16 and an apprentice on £47 a week. And he was a national star who played for England and LFC and was vice-captain under Paul Ince.

“Every day he'd call me over and check on me if I was all right, if I had the football boots and the equipment that I needed. And he'd tell me where he was off to after training and ask me to join him. He didn't have to do that.

“When someone behaves like that to you at 16, it does something important to you. So when I was 26 and I was captain, I'd treat younger players the way Jamie had.

“He wasn't just a top player, he was also a top guy who'd go out of his way to help – not just me, just many of my friends at that time. He looked after us and protected us. Jamie showed great leadership.

“I think Robbie (Fowler) was made captain because of who he was: an icon in the dressing room, and possibly the best striker in England at that time.

“We had a natural respect for Robbie. He was a bubbly character in the dressing room, very easy to like, and he got along well with every single player.

“He didn't talk much. But when he did, we listened. He wasn't a very vocal or aggressive captain, but what he said made good sense. He led by example."