London, Dec.31 (ANI): England and Liverpool soccer star Steven Gerrard has reportedly received texts of support from top players, including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, days after being charged with assault and affray. The Sun reports that the four players, all senior figures in the England team, told Gerrard to "keep your chin up" after hearing he must appear before a magistrate's court next month in connection with a bar brawl. An England source said: "They wanted to tell Stevie they're behind him. They know what it's like to be under the spotlight. You stick by your mates - especially in times of trouble - and footballers are no different."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has also been in touch with Gerrard.

Gerrard, 28, was charged yesterday with assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and affray. He faces up to five years in jail if guilty. His charges relate to a brawl at the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside, in the early hours of Monday. Part-time disc jockey Marcus McGee, 34, lost a tooth and needed stitches.

Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 win at Newcastle on Sunday by having drinks at the Lounge Inn with Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish.

Yesterday Dalglish, 57, said the case would not distract Gerrard on the pitch.

He said: "He's a strong character and I'm sure it won't affect his performance. The Liverpool fans will support him."

Dad-of-two Gerrard was released from custody in the early hours yesterday - almost 24 hours after his arrest. He joined his wife Alex Curran, 26, at their mansion in nearby Formby. (ANI)