Gerrard joins foreign quota calls

A foreign quota would affect Liverpool more than most

Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has backed calls for the introduction of quotas on foreign players in Premier League teams.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Reading's Steve Coppell have spoken out in favour of Fifa president Sepp Blatter's plan.

The England midfielder told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Something has to happen.

"I'm all for there being a rule change to make sure we continue to have one of the best national teams."

Interview: England midfielder Steven Gerrard

Gerrard's club could suffer more than most if the number of overseas players allowed is capped.

Jamie Carragher is the only other Englishman to play in Rafael Benitez's team on a regular basis.

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But Gerrard said: "If something isn't done, there will be more and more foreigners and they will take over and that is worrying.

"I think there's a concern that talent will eventually stop coming through if foreigners do take over our league.

"We are proud to say that we have one of the best leagues in the world but the most important thing is that have one of best national teams as well."

Coppell told BBC 5 Live on Tuesday the structure of English football was "a recipe for non-success at international level".

Blatter wants all European teams to be subject to a quota on foreign players.