Trinidad and Tobago v England: STEVEN GERRARD has urged his England team-mate Gareth Barry to force through a move to Liverpool this summer, insisting the Aston Villa midfielder needs to be playing Champions League football "to better his career".
Barry was the subject of a failed opening bid from Liverpool earlier in May, Martin O'Neill rejecting an offer that he claimed was "a mishmash of nameless players in exchange" and expressing his disappointment at the manner in which news of the club's interest had been leaked.
The Villa captain has spoken once already with O'Neill and the Villa hierarchy and intends to resume discussions on his future on his return from the Caribbean next week, aware that Liverpool's interest has been retained.
"I'm good friends with Gareth off the pitch and I'm desperate for us to sign him," said Gerrard.
"He's a good player and, when you talk about strengthening the team and the squad, Gareth would certainly help Liverpool be a better team next season.
"He's been a fantastic servant for Aston Villa but, in football, sometimes opportunities come along where you can better your career. Gareth is 27 now and I think he needs to be playing Champions League football. In my opinion he can do that.
"He's quite an easy player to play with - he keeps it simple, is quite easy to read, and I've certainly enjoyed playing with him because we've got a good relationship on and off the pitch. It's easy to play with good players.
"I've been asked a lot of questions this year about Fernando Torres and the simple answer is that it's easier as a player when you're playing with quality players. Gareth comes into that category."
Rafael Benitez has signed only the Swiss defender Philipp Degen, a free transfer arrival from Borussia Dortmund, so far this summer, though Gerrard expects an influx of arrivals following a second successive season without a trophy.
"Not having a cup final to look forward to after the final game of the season at Tottenham Hotspur was frustrating," said Gerrard.
"It's the second year on the run without a trophy, so it makes it all the more important that we go and achieve something next year.
"We need to strengthen, definitely. Every time I put on the news or read a paper, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are being linked with all kinds of different players, so I hope Liverpool strengthen as well and we can stay up there in the top four and push those sides for the title.
"At the moment we're still a little bit off. It's anticipation. I spoke to the manager at the end of the season and I know he's got targets who he's trying to bring in.
"Hopefully, come the beginning of the season, we'll have the targets we want and we won't have had to go for players who are second on the list."
Neither Gerrard nor Barry is expected to captain England against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow, with coach Fabio Capello considering offering either David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand or David James the armband in a game ostensibly played to celebrate the Caribbean island federation's centenary.
The Liverpool midfielder, who was used on the left against the United States, is prepared to play in yet another role if required as he attempts to impress the new head coach.
He added: "The captaincy's a big thing because he hasn't been named but, to me, I focus on the games, keep trying to impress the manager on the pitch.
"I'm sure this manager will be ruthless if you don't meet his standards. If you don't play how he wants you to play, or to his system, then it's goodbye.
"As long as I'm in the starting XI and part of this England team, that's what matters because I believe we will improve and get to the level we want to get to.
"In this day and age you can't afford to be selfish and spit your dummy out if you're not playing in your favourite position.
"You have to adapt and be a team player and that's what I think I am."
Guardian Service
