Gerrard: This Cup just doesn't cut it

'As captain, I feel there is a bit more pressure on me when results go against us, but really it is up to the whole squad to put things right and make sure we start a winning run now,' said Gerrard. 'If we don't, we may just find it is too late and that we are in this tournament again next season, which is something none of us wants.

' There aren't any major problems, but we could do with being more consistent and harder to beat. Sometimes it's not just about playing nice, attractive football. You have got to be strong as a unit and make sure you don't concede goals. We have conceded too many.

'Didi can definitely help in that respect. It will suit me to be able to get forward more and, hopefully, start scoring a few goals, but the main thing is it will benefit the team as a whole.

'He does that defensive midfield job better than anyone, certainly better than me, and you need that for grinding out wins away and keeping clean sheets at home. He is not going to score a hatful of goals or create that many openings for others, but his importance to the side cannot be overstated.

'He makes us more solid and I can't wait to see him back in the team.'

Houllier admitted that he too is 'sick of watching Champions League football on Tuesdays and Wednesdays without my team being involved'.

The Frenchman is aware that his side's Romanian opponents pose a threat to progress in the lesser European tournament. He said: 'They are good technically and tried hard to play good football along with us on their awful pitch. It was like mud wrestling in Bucharest, but we felt we should have scored more.'

Gerrard added that he has detected growing signs that Michael Owen is on the verge of committing himself to another Anfield contract.

The Liverpool midfielder said: 'I definitely want him to end the uncertainty and sign a new deal. It is his decision, but he loves the club and his team-mates and has been here since he was 10 years old.

'He is loyal to Liverpool and as long as we show we are moving forward and are capable of matching the top clubs, I am sure he will stay. You only have to see how England have struggled without him to realise what a difference he makes to any side.'

Salif Diao replaces the injured Steve Finnan at right back, while Vladimir Smicer is unlikely to shake off an ankle knock and Stephane Henchoz faces at least a week on the sidelines with medial ligament damage.

Chris Kirkland will continue, the England Under 21 goalkeeper having reclaimed his place in the side ahead of Jerzy Dudek just weeks after signing a new contract.

Houllier said: 'Jerzy was left out at Middlesbrough because he had just played a lot of games, including two tough internationals, and I felt Chris was fresher.'