The Liverpool star plans to visit the boy in the next few days

He gave Manchester United fan Jamie Hellawell, 10, a signed England shirt and a pair of Wayne Rooney's boots at Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital.

Jamie suffered a broken leg when he collided with the player's Bentley on Gratham Road, Birkdale on Monday.

His mother Helen said: "Jamie is quite chirpy. He was absolutely delighted that Steven came to visit him."

The child had just left Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School when the accident happened at 1515 BST. Witnesses said the youngster ran out into the road.

A spokesman for the 27-year-old footballer said he had been driving very slowly and was distressed by what had happened.

The boy's grandfather Reg Rogan, who was there at the time, said: "I just saw Jamie lying in the road and Steven Gerrard was very concerned holding his hand.

"He's a nice bloke very considerate, even if he is a Red."

Gerrard is reported to have phoned Rooney to let him have the boots after he found out Jamie was a United supporter. He then arranged for the boots to be collected.

The England star, who visited the hospital after training with Liverpool, also met other children on the wards and posed for photos and signed autographs.