STEVEN GERRARD comprehensively reclaimed centre stage at Anfield last night. The worry now for Rafael Benitez is how much of a midfield supporting cast he can offer his skipper.

Victory over PSV Eindhoven came at a cost as Liverpool secured top spot in their Champions League group and the all-important seeding in the knockout stages of the competition.

Inspired by a revitalised Gerrard, let loose in his preferred role at the heart of the engine room, Benitez's side rendered next month's return to the Ataturk Stadium to face Galatasaray in the final group game nothing more then a glorified practice match.

But the sight of Xabi Alonso and Mark Gonzalez leaving the ground on crutches, and a further injury problem for Jermaine Pennant, took the shine off a trademark European display.

With Momo Sissoko already crocked until the New Year following his dislocated shoulder at Birmingham City earlier this month, further decimation of Liverpool's midfield was the last thing Benitez needed with his team now able to channel their efforts into closing the growing chasm to Premiership leaders Manchester United.

While Alonso and Pennant are considered short-term concerns, a torn hamstring means the early prognosis is more gloomy for Gonzalez. It's a sickening blow for the Chile international, who earlier this week admitted he is still coming to terms with life in English football. The winger was ruled out for six months last year with a serious knee injury, and now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

At least the Anfield manager can be reassured Gerrard is clearly well down the road toward rediscovering his form after an indifferent start to the campaign.

Having broken his seasonal goalscoring duck in the previous group game against Bordeaux, Gerrard set Liverpool on their way last night with a well-taken strike in the 65th minute before Peter Crouch settled any late nerves with a second in the closing moments.