Manager Benitez and Liverpool wait for Gerrard to finish in court

21 March 2009 23:04
Steve Gerrard's importance to Liverpool[LNB]was underlined by the club altering their training schedule to accommodate their captain's appearance in court.[LNB]Manager Rafa Benitez delayed training on Friday so that Gerrard had time to return from magistrates' court and take part in a full three-hour session ahead of today's game against Aston Villa.[LNB]Liverpool need to capitalise on last weekend's famous 4-1 win at Manchester United to stay in the title race and Benitez is counting on his skipper to stay focused.[LNB][LNB] Waiting game: Liverpool delayed training to accommodate Steven Gerrard, who had to attend magistrates' court on Friday[LNB]An assault charge against the midfielder was dropped but he still faces a charge of affray.[LNB]Benitez said: 'We delayed training for Stevie. He has been verypositive in the sessions and I could tell by speaking to him afterwardshe's fully concentrated on his football.'[LNB]A source added: 'Rafa normally asks the players to start training atabout 10 o'clock but on Friday it was put back to about 11 and went onuntil two. He didn't want Stevie to miss a single minute.'[LNB] Assault charge dropped against football star Steven Gerrard - but he still faces charge of affray[LNB]PICTURE SPECIAL: Courting controversy - Liverpool star Steven Gerrard paints town red the night before magistrates appearance[LNB]Gerrard underlines commitment to Liverpool with title talk[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail