Liverpool gets ready for 'inspirational' Steven Gerrard's final game against Everton

Steven Gerrard is heading towards his final Merseyside derby, and as Peter Stevenson discovers, the whole city of Liverpool knows it's nearing the end of an era.

The Liverpool skipper has reached the remarkable milestone of 700 career games.

Many will now wonder if Gerrard's last game at Goodison Park on Saturday will provide yet another dramatic 90 minutes in this football mad city.

Gerrard's close friend, top boxer Paul Smith, says he's been impressed by the way the skipper still remains down to earth while producing consistently good displays on the pitch.

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Smith said: "I reckon Steve is the best player to have worn the Liverpool shirt. And I have seen Dalglish and Barnes. But Steve has just been so inspirational."

That's a view echoed around the city centre by Liverpool fans who point out that Gerrard has been an outstanding leader of often mediocre teams.

There's huge admiration for a player who's often been the scourge of the neighbours across Stanley Park.

Gerrard's ability to produce in big games, scoring and making spectacular goals, has also provided many a fond memory.

But Everton supporters, too, have been quick to acknowledge the impact Gerrard has had for nearly 17 years.
One fan admitted Gerrard had been one of the best players he'd seen at Goodison.

However, a number of other Blues said, with feeling, that they would be glad to see Gerrard head off to Los Angeles in the summer!

He's probably the biggest name to come out of Liverpool in the past 10 years.

Another inspirational Scouser and former teammate Jamie Carragher, believes Gerrard has become synonymous not just with the club, but the city itself.

"All around the world, Steve has helped raise the profile of the club and the city," he said. "He's probably the biggest name to come out of Liverpool in the past 10 years."

And that's a view backed up by the Gerrard scarves on sale on the city centre stalls, and a whole host of merchandise available in the Liverpool club shop.

The Liverpool skipper is still very much in demand, commercially, as the iconic leader of a club still chasing a top four Premier League finish.

Not to mention the small matter of big nights to come in the Europa League, and maybe, just maybe, a place in the FA Cup final, after last night's replay win at Bolton.

Don't forget, the final is on May 30th... which just happens to be Gerrard's 35th birthday.  Some might say that would be the perfect way to bring down the curtain on what has been a terrific career in English football.

Watch Everton v Liverpool live on Saturday Night Football, Sky Sports 1 at 4.45pm.