Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hailed his captain Steven Gerrard after yesterday's stunning FA Cup victory.
"Maybe Steven can continue to the World Cup and score more fantastic goals there," Benitez said of a player who has featured in 57 of the club's 62 games. Liverpool's, and Gerrard's, season began back in July with Champions League qualification, but Benitez dismissed any concerns that the England midfielder might suffer from burnout in Germany this summer.
"Of course when you are winning you do not feel as tired," said Benitez. "With a week's rest now he will be fit again."
Benitez was also keen to praise his side's spirit.
"When you see the character we have that is good for the future. This can be a key factor."
The Liverpool captain's impact moved the disappointed West Ham manager Alan Pardew to praise his efforts yesterday.
"When you are up against special players that can happen, he is one of the best in the world. I said to Steven at the end, 'I thought you would have saved those [goals] for the World Cup!'"
"Maybe Steven can continue to the World Cup and score more fantastic goals there," Benitez said of a player who has featured in 57 of the club's 62 games. Liverpool's, and Gerrard's, season began back in July with Champions League qualification, but Benitez dismissed any concerns that the England midfielder might suffer from burnout in Germany this summer.
"Of course when you are winning you do not feel as tired," said Benitez. "With a week's rest now he will be fit again."
Benitez was also keen to praise his side's spirit.
"When you see the character we have that is good for the future. This can be a key factor."
The Liverpool captain's impact moved the disappointed West Ham manager Alan Pardew to praise his efforts yesterday.
"When you are up against special players that can happen, he is one of the best in the world. I said to Steven at the end, 'I thought you would have saved those [goals] for the World Cup!'"
