'We all want to help Stevie win a trophy'
Martin Skrtel knows there is a long route still to navigate in the FA Cup but that has not decreased his determination to help Steven Gerrard say goodbye to Liverpool with a piece of silverware.
The captain was at his inspirational best against AFC Wimbledon on Monday evening, scoring in either half to secure a 2-1 victory at Kingsmeadow and progress into the fourth round.
A brave header from Javier Manquillo's cross had given the travellers a lead and, after Adebayo Akinfenwa had responded, the No.8 whipped a sublime set-piece into the top corner for the win.
The result teed up a clash with Bolton Wanderers in the next stage of the competition that Skrtel would dearly love to succeed in this season, before Gerrard departs for America.
"It would be nice if we can win the FA Cup," the defender told the Liverpool Echo. "We want Stevie to finish his career here with another trophy. There is a long way to go in the competition but we will try our best.
"Stevie showed tonight how important he is for us. He showed his quality with two great goals and proved what a great player he still is.
"He's been here for such a long time and when he's not here after this season it's going to be different. It won't be the same. It will be difficult without him.
"He's the leader on the pitch. He's a great player and a nice guy as well. We will miss him both on and off the pitch. It will be really difficult to replace him.
"He has made his decision and we have to respect it. It's up to him and his family. He knows what is best for them. We wish him all the best in the next stage of his career."
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Despite falling behind within 12 minutes, Neal Ardley's Dons ensured there was no chance of a walkover for Liverpool in an absorbing and well-contested meeting.
Their commitment, work-rate and threat when delivering balls into the penalty box caused problems and Skrtel was pleased by the tenacity his teammates showed.
He added: "We came here to qualify for the next round and we achieved that. It was a tough night for us. The pitch wasn't great, and give Wimbledon credit because they played well.
"They were strong and put us under some pressure. When you play a team from a lower division they raise their game.
"It was about showing character and quality and we did that. We dug in, played our game and got the win. We're just happy to be in the next round.
"We [now] need to focus on the next game against Sunderland and try to get the three points to improve our league position."