January 1, 200718 yr Rafael Benitez has today hailed Steven Gerrard after his captain was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours list. (December 30, 2006)Gerrard can now look forward to a trip to Buckingham Palace to collect his award after an inspirational couple of years as Liverpool skipper during which he has led the Reds to Champions League and FA Cup glory."This is a good reward for Steve because he's a nice boy, a good professional and the captain of this club," said Benitez, who is pictured above congratulating Gerrard at Melwood."Everyone must be very proud of him, but I would also say this is an award for the club, the supporters, his team-mates and his coaches."In football you can never recognise just one player. Steven has been at this club for years and has worked with many coaches at the Academy and Melwood and all through that time he has had the supporters behind him."You cannot play at your level all the time if you don't have people backing you."Others honoured by the Queen include singer Rod Stewart and her own granddaughter, equestrian star Zara Phillips.
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