Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had no idea of the significance of yesterday's win over Stoke City to Steven Gerrard.
Rodgers had no idea it was the 16th anniversary of Steven Gerrard's debut and felt bad leaving him out of the team for the 1-0 win over Stoke.
However, the captain was on the pitch when the winner was scored by Glen Johnson five minutes from time to end a three-match losing streak in the Premier League.
"I wasn't aware it was 16 years until I walked into the dressing room and saw the programme," said the Reds boss.
"I spoke to him yesterday and he didn't mention it so I felt bad when I saw about 20 pictures on the programme.
"Steven is in a part of his career when he is not going to play every minute of every game.
"He played Palace and he played Ludogorets when he was outstanding and put in a huge amount of effort, and we have other players here who can come in and do a job and Steven understands that.
"I need to look at each game. We have good players that are fresh.
"He came on and gave a great contribution towards the end and his experience and stature in the game helped us at that point, but I thought the team overall was excellent."
