Nigel Adkins hails "talisman" Steven Gerrard

Reading manager Nigel Adkins has praised Steven Gerrard ahead of his side's Premier League encounter with Liverpool this weekend.

The Royals, who are currently eight points from safety at the bottom of the table, welcome the Merseysiders to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Adkins has singled out the Liverpool captain as one of the greatest midfielders to have played in England's top flight.

"You need to watch Steven Gerrard live to see how quickly he picks a pass out," he said. "His vision is superb but he also has the technique to deliver a full range of passes.

"He's a talisman for Liverpool and always has been. He drives them on and is a leader, taking a grip on the match when he needs to.

"When you talk about midfielders there are different types, but he's one you'd consider being in a starting XI of any all-time Premier League team."

Reading were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool when the two sides met at Anfield in October.