Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on his side's young players for their performances throughout the season.

Gerrard scored two penalties and missed another as the Reds thrashed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that continued their title challenge and lifted them up to second in the Premier League table.

The likes of Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and John Flanagan have all played a part in Liverpool's good form, and Gerrard believes that the squad has a nice blend between youth and experience.

"They've done all my running for me, so long may that continue. I think the key to this football club is to always have top players who are experienced and who have got the know-how to look after young players," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"I think the form of Sterling, Allen, Henderson, Flanagan, to name a few, has been excellent - and we've still got other youngsters who are just about to peak. We've got a fantastic mixture of age from young to old.

"I'm feeling the oldest in the group now. They keep me young and they keep me working hard. I'd love nothing better than to lead them to a successful season."

Liverpool are now just four points behind Chelsea in the table with a game in hand over the league leaders.