Gerrard backs suspended Lafferty

Lafferty is banned after the Irish FA invoked FIFA's 'five-day rule', but Gerrard said the striker has apologised to him for breaking international protocol. 

"It's a shame because he is a good player and he has been in good form since he's come in," Gerrard said.

"We respect and appreciate what's gone on, he hasn't followed the protocol and done the right thing, so the punishment is he cannot play on Sunday. No footballer likes missing games, I can assure you of that.

"I support him, of course I do. I always support my players 100 per cent. He has come in, he has apologised for what's gone on.

"We respect Northern Ireland in terms of the punishment they have given him and we move on.

"There's nothing else to add to it. We put a statement out yesterday [Thursday] which was very clear and now it's an opportunity for someone else on Sunday."