Steven Gerrard admits he had to "milk" his celebrations after scoring against Celtic having taken "so much stick" from rival supporters.

The former Rangers manager scored the opener from the penalty spot in the charity match between Liverpool and Celtic Legends at Anfield this afternoon.

Gerrard was targeted by rival supporters from the start of the event - with proceeds going to the LFC Foundation, FOrever Reds and Celtic Foundation - as chants and boos were aimed at the former Anfield captain.

But the ex-England international relished the occasion as he cupped his ears amid the jeers during a first-half exchange with supporters.

Then, his big moment came as he stepped up to score a penalty in front of the Celtic supporters housed in the Anfield Road end.

Gerrard sent Artur Boruc then wrong way before launching into wild celebrations in front of the Celtic fans.

In an unsavoury moment, objects were then thrown at the celebrating Liverpool players with stewards forced to remove them from the playing surface.

However, it didn't dampen Gerrard's enjoyment of the moment as he insisted he had to give a bit of stick back to the Celtic fan base.

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard nets against Celtic in Liverpool charity match

Speaking to Liverpool TV after the match, Gerrard said: "It was a definite penalty. Martin Skrtel was excellent bursting through like he does, like a marauding midfielder - absolute stonewall penalty.

"There was only one taker from there, and that was me, unfortunately.

"In front of the Celtic fans, little bit of pressure and I waited for him to go."

"You have to milk it. I've had so much stick off of them so they can have a bit back. There you go."

He added: "It feels good when I score in the back garden against Leo. If you love football and love the game and love this club then to score in front of these supporters, I'll never get tired of it."

There were concerns Gerrard would miss the match or be limited in his appearance due to a chest infection in the run-up.

But he battled through to compete and overcome the challenge to score set to him by his son who had netted in a youth match on the morning of the charity fixture.

"There was a bit of pressure on me," said Gerrard. "I took my son to football this morning and he scored a couple so he said to me I best score today or I'd have to buy him something - so at least I'll save a few quid by getting on the scoresheet!

"They sent me a bag of medicine home a couple of days ago to help straighten me out. I was there, I didn't play too well but we got the win.

"It's always enjoyable to play here in front of nearly a full crowd, they were amazing.

"The main thing is it is obviously for a good cause, for the Liverpool Foundation and Forever Reds - that's the reason we are all here.

"But it wouldn't be so successful without the support from the fans and to be fair to Celtic they turned up in their numbers today.

"It's been a really enjoyable day."

Former Rangers assistant Gary McAllister also featured in the match - albeit in a cameo appearance - but revealed he'll be among the afterparty with players from both sides.

He said: "I think we'll have a good night as well. We're going to have a little bit of a party with the Celtic boys and have a few beers.

"There will be loads of stories flying around."