Gerrard Hails Superb Team Effort

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was eager to share out the credit to his team- mates despite his hat-trick heroics inspiring his team to victory in a 3-1 win over Napoli at Anfield. The Reds looked down and out on Wednesday in their Europa League tie, going into the second half a goal down and looking lost for ideas as their stuttering form this season continued. Roy Hodgson introduced the England vice-captain at half-time to try to lift them in the second period, and his plan worked to devastating effect as the 30-year- old scored a hat-trick in the final 15 minutes to pull them out of the mire once more. Liverpool now lead Group K by three points following the victory, and look set to secure a place in the next round of the tournament. But despite the skipper's unquestionably single-handed manner of pulling his team out of the doldrums, Gerrard was quick to give praise to the whole team. Fantastic "We went a goal down and the manager asked me to come on and see if I could help get the lads back in it," he said. "Every one of the lads in the second half was just fantastic." Gerrard restored parity with a challenge on Napoli keeper Morgan De Sanctis from close range to put his team ahead, displaying the constant desire the local boy has shown for his side over the past decade. "For the first goal when you're put in that position against a giant of a goalkeeper you've just got to go in and hope for the best," he said. "There was no class involved, just determination and desire and I don't think the keeper fancied it." "Everyone played their part tonight. I'm sure I'll get the headlines but it certainly wasn't just about me."