Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt admits it was disappointing to see skipper Steven Gerrard booed during Saturday's 3-0 win at Newcastle United.

"It's a bit disappointing that Steven was booed because he is not only a really important player for Liverpool but also a really important player for England," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"I can understand why the fans are disappointed England aren't going to the European Championships, but you have to respect players like Steven Gerrard because he is important for Liverpool and will continue to be important for England in the future. Steven and Peter Crouch were really disappointed after last Wednesday. They were really down on Thursday and Friday but they know how important the game at Newcastle was, and they were focused on it.

"You saw the quality of Steven Gerrard. He scored a really great goal that set us on our way."