Steven Gerrard and Liverpool remain close to Barry Cowan's heart

Barry Cowan has paid tribute to Steven Gerrard and explained how Liverpool inspired him on the tennis court.

The Sky Sports pundit is a lifelong Reds fan who made no secret of his football allegiance during his tennis career – particularly when a club anthem motivated him towards his finest moment in a close battle with Pete Sampras at Wimbledon.

Cowan listened to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers, Liverpool’s iconic song, as he stretched the American legend to a five-set marathon which he eventually lost in 2001.

“Any Liverpool fan that hears “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will say it’s stirring music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck,” he told Sky Sports.

“I was playing a tournament in Nottingham and I lost the second set before my opponent went off for a toilet break. During the change of ends I thought ‘I might as well listen to that song’ and I was 3-0 up after five minutes!

"Tennis players are creatures of habit, in my next game I lost the first set so I listened to the song and the same thing happened.

"I told a sports psychologist that I was going to stick with it because it helps. The biggest example was the Istanbul Champions League final when the Liverpool players heard the crowd singing it at half-time."

Any Liverpool fan that hears “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will say it’s stirring music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

Anfield greats

Cowan, whose father was born in Liverpool and raised him as a supporter, attributes Gerrard as the finest in a long line of Anfield greats despite not winning the accolades of players in previous generations.

As Gerrard prepares to begin his LA Galaxy adventure, Cowan explains how his legacy is more important than trophies that could have been won elsewhere.

"Being a legend in 20 years’ time is more important than leaving Liverpool, winning a league title, but not having that love affair with a different club,” he said.

"For me, he’s the greatest Liverpool player. I remember Kenny Dalglish from the early 80s and he had a few incredible years. My father would say Kenny was better but I don’t think it’s about how many league titles you’ve won. Dalglish played in a better team.

"Gerrard’s a captain who led by example, and for a certain period was the only guy who could step up.

"At some stage he had to finish so I’m glad he’s going on his terms when he’s still putting in good performances. The last thing I’d want is for people to want him to go."