Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has dismissed comparisons with Ian Rush after his hat-trick in their victory over Everton.

Gerrard's hat-trick was the first scored in a Merseyside derby in the league since Ian Rush's Goodison Park treble in 1982.

The 31-year-old admits that statistic makes his three-goal salvo even more satisfying.

"I suppose it does make it even more special, especially if it was Ian Rush," said Gerrard. "He's a hero of mine, I looked up to him for a long time and watched many, many videos of him.

"But let's not be stupid - I'm not comparing myself to Ian Rush! He was a different breed."