Liverpool wonderkid Rhian Brewster had to overcome racist abuse in the UEFA Youth League last season.

The young forward accused Spartak Moscow captain, Leonid Mironov, of racist behavior during a Uefa Youth League match at Prenton Park.

UEFA was unable to prove any of his claims made against Spartak Moscow but Brewster underlined how important former youth manager Steven Gerrard was in helping him fight against the abuse.

He was quoted by the Daily Star as saying: “Stevie was an exceptional manager for me on the pitch and personally.

“He was constantly making sure that I was okay, he was always available if I needed to chat or get things off my chest.

“Every game that it (the abuse) happened, I was playing really well and so he told me it was their way of trying to get to me because they couldn’t match me in terms of ability.

“He said they were using it to try and put me off my game and so the best way to react to the idiots would be to show just how much better I can be.”

Brewster also underlined how important the Liverpool legend was in his development and improving him as a player.

The 18-year-old believes Gerrard will ‘do big things’ at his new role as head coach of Rangers.

“He would tell me ‘as a midfielder, this is where I’d expect you to be.’ You get to understand the types of runs better like that,” he added.

“Having him pass me the ball during sessions was very helpful, because it directed you on where to finish.

“And it makes you realise that in the same way, your movement can dictate where you receive the ball so you’re always thinking about that.

“It’s a loss to the academy that he’s now at Rangers, but it’s great for him and I know he’ll do big things.”

The 17-year-old was a key part of the England side that won the Under-17 World Cup in India in October, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final against Brazil.

Liverpool wonder-kid has a Turkish mother and would be able to play for Turkey at senior international level.