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Gerrard denies Redknapp autobiography claim

Steven Gerrard has dismissed suggestions from Harry Redknapp's new autobiography that he sent Redknapp a text message in support of him being considered the new England manager following Fabio Capello's resignation last year.

Redknapp revealed he received "quite a few text messages at the time from players saying they would love me to manage England: Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry" in his new book, which is being serialised in the Daily Mail.

However, Gerrard clarified his stance on Thursday and maintained he had not sent Redknapp any text messages of support - even claiming he did not even have REdknapp's personal phone number.

"I can clear that up. I did not text Harry Redknapp's personal phone as I have never had his personal phone number," Gerrard said. "But I am a big fan of Harry and close friends with [Redknapp's son] Jamie.

"I had a conversation with Jamie around the time when Harry's name was on everyone's lips and it [seemed as if] was only a matter of days before he became manager. I said to Jamie on the phone, send my best to your Dad and if he gets the job we will all back him and support him.

"Soon after the FA decided Roy Hodgson was going to be the manager and I was absolutely delighted he got the job. He made me captain and I have played some of my most consistent football under Roy, so I have a lot to thank him for."

Gerrard also welcomed suggestions that the Football Association is exploring the idea of restricting the number of foreign players in the Premier League.

A commission set up by new FA chairman Greg Dyke is set to seek out solutions to the declining numbers of English players getting a chance to star for top Premier League clubs and Gerrard has thrown his support behind the initiative.

"Credit to Greg [Dyke], he is trying to put a structure in place that will improve the statistics of English players coming through," Gerrard said. "We have to give it time, it's not going to happen overnight. I read something about them trying to half number of foreigners in the country and that's a good start."

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