Kolo Toure backs Steven Gerrard "magic" to beat Basel

Liverpool's Champions League clash with Basel on Tuesday is begging to be decided by a moment of "magic" from Steven Gerrard, according to Kolo Toure.

The Reds host the Swiss giants at Anfield this week knowing that victory is a must if they are to progress into the last 16 of the competition.

Gerrard, 34, has been used sparingly by manager Brendan Rodgers in recent outings, with the midfielder starting on the bench in two of their last three games.

Despite his advancing years, Toure claims that his captain is still well capable of coming to Liverpool's aid once more.

"The game against Basel is made for Steven Gerrard," Toure told The Express. "He is a man of great days! He makes a difference.

"If I can say he makes the magic when nobody can make it, then that's why he is one of the best players in the world.

"His age is nothing, for me it doesn't matter. People just keep talking, but if you have a player like that in your dressing room he is very important. With his experience, he makes a difference."

The Merseysiders sit third in Group B behind Basel and already-qualified Real Madrid, with Ludogorets Razgrad fourth.