Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has revealed how skipper Steven Gerrard supported him during his scoring crisis this season.

The Dutchman told liverpoolfc.tv: "It was really important to know that I had the backing of the captain but I wouldn't expect anything else from Stevie because that is the kind of person he is.

"He always helps and supports the players around him and when you have the support of someone like Steven it is a real boost. He is very good for all his teammates and when he said that he still believed in me that meant a lot.

"It was the same with the manager and all the support I got really helped me. You know if you are playing up front for a major club and you miss chances that you are going to be criticised. That's just the way it is.

"The thing that was most difficult for me was that I was not able to play in the two games after Blackburn because that meant it was more difficult for me to get it out of my system.

"It was nice for me to score at Newcastle because it helped the team to get a good result in a difficult away game.

"I had a bit of luck because it is unusual to score with your knee but every goal counts - especially after what happened at Blackburn."