A family affair as Gerrard cousins clash at Wembley

25 February 2012 17:47

Cardiff defender Anthony Gerrard insists family loyalties will be placed firmly to one side as he targets "taking down" Liverpool captain and cousin Steven Gerrard in Sunday's League Cup final.

Sunday's showpiece sees the relatives meet for the first time in professional football.

And Cardiff's Gerrard told BBC Sport: "You do anything to win.

"Steven has an abundance of medals and he's played in these occasions so many times.

"If push comes to shove, one-on-one, with us winning 1-0, then I think he knows he's getting taken down.

"I think that will be vice-versa. You do what's best for your team."

Gerrard the defender, who began his career at Everton, recalled his days growing up alongside his more illustrious five years older relative in Merseyside.

"One of my earliest memories is playing footie with him," said Anthony.

"Steven and his friends made a goal out of scaffolding and had tarpaulin wrapped around it. It was fantastic.

"I remember staying off school, getting a kit and putting it on and then playing with him and his mates."

He says he has been in touch with the Liverpool star.

"I spoke to Steven and sent him a little joke via text message, 'what are you doing on Sunday?', said Anthony, who has made himself available for the Republic of Ireland rather than his native England.

"I might send him a picture message about the white suits (worn by Liverpool when they last reached a Wembley final in 1996): 'Hope you're wearing them again'."

Given the family interest the Gerrards are set to be well represetned at Wembley on Sunday.

"There'll be a large section of the family there - I got asked for about 80 tickets altogether," said Anthony.

Source: AFP