Hull City boss Steve Bruce has showered lavish praise on Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard ahead of Tuesday night's clash between the Tigers and the Reds.

Gerrard will bring to an end a stunning career in England in both the Premier League and for the national team this summer when he leaves Anfield for MLS.

The 34-year old midfielder joins LA Galaxy at the end of the season and his exit will prompt plenty of fanfare from all around the football community as evidenced by Bruce's comments prior to the KC Stadium fixture.

Bruce said: "Any manager in the world would want Steven Gerrard in his team and I'm certainly no different.

"So I will be more than happy if Brendan keeps him on the subs bench when Liverpool come here.

"I'd be even happier if Brendan could let Steven come and play for us if he fancied stretching his legs and helping us get out of trouble!

"The word 'great' is bandied about far too often these days. But it is a word that no one wouldn't use to describe Gerrard.

"You simply have to say that he has been a great, great player for his club and his country."