We can live without Gerrard: Crouch
Peter Crouch insists Liverpool have proved they can cope even without the inspirational figure of Steven Gerrard.
The Liverpool skipper is suspended for tomorrow’s match at West Brom after his red card against Everton, but Crouch believes the Reds’ response to his sending off in the Merseyside derby shows their determination to succeed.
Liverpool have virtually secured a Champions League spot but are still chasing automatic qualification, though Manchester United are five points ahead in second place with a game in hand.
Crouch told the club website, www.liverpoolfc.net: “It was a big blow to us to lose Steven Gerrard because he’s a massive player for us and the reaction from the Everton fans when he left the pitch tells you what a good player he is and how crucial he is to our team.
“It definitely spurred us on to try and win the game and I think we proved we can live without him. Obviously we are a much better team with him in it but hopefully we proved to everyone we can still battle and win games without him.
“We need to win as many games as we can now in the league and finish as high as we can.”
Crouch is under no illusions about the challenge facing Liverpool tomorrow, with West Brom fighting for their Barclays Premiership lives.
He added: “It will be difficult on Saturday against West Brom as I know from personal experience last season with Southampton that when a team is down at the bottom they fight for every ball and every point they can get.
“We will be prepared for a battle and if we play to the best of our ability we should win. We are scoring goals and playing well and hopefully that will continue.”
Djimi Traore (thigh) may miss out again but Robbie Fowler could return to the starting line-up with Luis Garcia moving back into midfield to replace Gerrard.
