15.10.2003 - Stevie G handed LFC captaincy

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Steven Gerrard will take over from Sami Hyypia as Liverpool's captain it was today revealed.

The 23 year old midfielder, who starred for England in their weekend draw in Turkey, will lead the side out in tonight's match against Olimpija Ljubljana after being selected by his manager to replace Hyypia as the club's first choice captain.

Speaking of the decision, Gerard Houllier said: "I have decided to move the armband to Steven Gerrard. Stevie will lead the team tonight and in the future. I have thought long and hard about this.

"This is not something which should be seen as against Sami. He has been a good captain for us."

Houllier also stated that he always saw Gerrard as a future captain.

"When he was young, all he needed was time to mature. Now he is 23 and he is ready. There has been a maturing in his game and his personality."

Gerrard is the fourth club captain since Gerard Houllier's arrival, following Paul Ince, Jamie Redknapp and Sami Hyypia, and he is now widely tipped to go on to become captain of England in the future.