Barnes, who wore a Liverpool shirt for 10 years himself added: “Steven Gerard has to play matches in pre-season and he knew he would not be in the Far East with the rest of the Liverpool squad.
“ It was important he had a game and the game was here at Tranmere. It was a good game for him.”
Liverpool’s reserve team manager, John McMahon, said: “It was important for Steven Gerard to get some time on the pitch and he conducted himself in a very professional manner.
“The young players look to him for a lead and he provides one. He is a model professional.”
