Gerrard's time is now, says Gazza

Paul Gascoigne is no-one?s idea of a soccer sage. Nevertheless that did not stop him taking Steven Gerrard under his wing at the end of the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Urging temperance and self-discipline may well sound like a classic Gazza wind-up but he was deadly serious as he draped an arm round Gerrard after Liverpool?s 3-1 win and implored him to grasp the opportunity of greatness that is beckoning.

The 34-year-old wants Gerrard to assume his former mantle as the country?s midfield inspiration.

Gascoigne said: ?He is oozing confidence at the moment in exactly the same way as Michael Owen, and that makes me proud, because they are English and so am I. It is good to see Steven giving his all for England, and I hope that continues.

?I just said to him:?Enjoy every moment you get with England, and do all the right things to try and make sure you play in every game?. That is still my approach, even though I am 34.

?I told him to make certain he is right for every game for Liverpool and England. If he does that, he will just get better and better. I kept myself right when I was a 21-year old at Tottenham, apart from picking up one bad injury. He is 21 now, and it seems to be happening for him the way it did for me. He is different class.?

Gazza made an impressive return from injury as a second-half substitute for Everton but Gerrard?s performance, including a stunning equaliser to cancel out Kevin Campbell?s opener, had already earned Liverpool the derby spoils. Owen increased Liverpool?s advantage from the penalty spot and John Arne Riise struck an impressive third early into the second half.