Lucas Leiva hailed the performance of departing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for their FA Cup win at AFC Wimbledon.

It was the kind of display Lucas says highlights why Gerrard is "one of the biggest and best ever" - a tribute he paid to the Liverpool captain when after his exit was confirmed on Friday.

"As I said in my statement, my small tribute that I did for him, his qualities are evident to see week in, week out," Leiva said.

"On Monday that was the case again. He scored two fantastic goals and got us through.

"He deserves (a fantastic send-off) for what he has done through his career for the club.

"It would be a nice goodbye for him (to win the FA Cup on his 35th birthday), but it is a long way. We just have to keep going.

"It's always important to be winning things and we have the chance in the Capital One Cup, as we're in the semi-finals.

"Now (we are through in) the FA Cup so hopefully we will put the same desire which we put in the Capital One and get to another final."