A PROSECUTOR yesterday sang the praises of Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard – but insisted he was guilty of an attack in a Southport bar.

David Turner, QC, told Liverpool Crown Court the Anfield star "went over for a fight and he got one".

The jury were told the England midfielder had "immaculate" bar room fighting skills as the case against him drew to an end.

In his closing speech, Mr Turner told the jury it would bring them no pleasure finding the footballer guilty, but that it was the true verdict.

But John Kelsey-Fry, defending Gerrard, asked them to consider whether the captain of Liverpool would put his “impeccable reputation” on the line for the sake of a late-night bar fight.

Mr Turner said: "Of famous Liverpool footballers, Steven Gerrard is up there with the greats.

"Whatever Ronaldo is worth, Stevie G is worth £20m more.

"So Steven Gerrard is a Liverpool hero and it gives us, on behalf of the prosecution, no pleasure to see him in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court.

"But I regret to say that the verdict of guilty is the true verdict on the evidence, leaving aside any feeling of loyalty, allegiance or Mr Gerrard's undoubted charisma."

Gerrard denies a single count of affray.

The allegation stems from a flash of violence in Southport’s Lounge Inn in the early hours of December 29.

It is alleged the 29-year-old, of Formby, attacked local businessman Marcus McGee after the pair had fallen out over the choice of music being played.

The court has seen CCTV from the night which shows Gerrard’s friend, John Doran, striking the first blow to Mr McGee.

Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, Huyton, has already pleaded guilty to affray.

After Doran hits Mr McGee, Gerrard can be seen on the CCTV aiming uppercut punches at the alleged victim.

Mr Turner added: "That night, he did something he regretted, I am sure he regrets it.