You'll have plenty to celebrate when you subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Martin Skrtel saluted the enduring brilliance of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as he admitted: “We’re going to miss him.”

The inspirational midfielder struck twice in his first appearance since announcing that he will leave the club this summer to help the Reds overcome AFC Wimbledon 2-1 at Kingsmeadow.

The reward for Brendan Rodgers’ side is a home tie with Bolton in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

“Stevie showed tonight how important he is for us,” Skrtel told the ECHO.

“He showed his quality with two great goals and proved what a great player he still is.”

Skrtel says he was left stunned by the news that Gerrard wouldn’t be signing a contract to extend his glittering Liverpool career beyond this season.

In pics: AFC Wimbledon 1 Liverpool FC 2

The Slovakian defender, who has lined up alongside Gerrard for the past seven years, admits his exit will leave a gaping void at the club – both on and off the field – when he joins LA Galaxy.

“I found out when I read the newspapers,” Skrtel said.

“I was shocked to be honest. He’s been here for such a long time and when he’s not here after this season it’s going to be different. It won’t be the same.

“It will be difficult without him. He’s the leader on the pitch. He’s a great player and a nice guy as well.

“We will miss him both on and off the pitch. It will be really difficult to replace him.

“He has made his decision and we have to respect it. It’s up to him and his family. He knows what is best for them.

“We wish him all the best in the next stage of his career.”

Watch: James Pearce on Skrtel's Gerrard vow

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The FA Cup final at Wembley on May 30 is Gerrard’s 35th birthday. That could prove to be his final game for the Reds and Skrtel admits the players are desperate to ensure he goes out in style.

“It would be nice if we can win the FA Cup,” he said.

“We want Stevie to finish this career here with another trophy. There is a long way to go in the competition but we will try our best.

“We need to focus on the next game against Sunderland and try to get the three points to improve our league position.”

Liverpool were far from convincing against the League Two outfit but Skrtel insists they did enough to deserve their place in the fourth round.

Gerrard scored with a header and a stunning free-kick either side of Adebayo Akinfenwa’s equaliser.

“We came here to qualify for the next round and we achieved that,” Skrtel added.

“It was a tough night for us. The pitch wasn’t great and give Wimbledon credit because they played well.

“They were strong and put us under some pressure. When you play a team from a lower division they raise their game.

“It was about showing character and quality and we did that. We dug in, played our game and got the win. We’re just happy to be in the next round.”