Gerrard claims hat-trick in Reds win

League one Luton collapsed in this replay at Anfield after going behind to a late first-half goal from Ryan Babel.

Sami Hyypia was also on the scoresheet to give Benitez some breathing space after the shock revelation that Jurgen Klinsmann had been sounded out about the possibility of becoming the club's next manager.

Benitez selected a strong side, knowing defeat was not an option after the shock admission from co-owner Tom Hicks.

Jamie Carragher was named captain on his 500th appearance for the club while Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso were also in from the start.

The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Babel rifled a shot beyond Dean Brill and into the corner after being released by Torres.

Gerrard made it 2-0 after 52 minutes when he headed in from close range after Peter Crouch flicked on a cross from Jermaine Pennant.

They extended their lead a minute later after Gerrard swung in a corner from the left. Hyypia claimed the goal although Luton defender Matthew Spring seemed to get a touch at the last minute.

Gerrard scored his second of the game and made it 4-0 in the 64th minute, stroking the ball into the corner. It came after Don Hutchison had only partially cleared a shot from Torres inside the area.

Gerrard completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute with a thumping 30-yard drive that wrong-footed Brill after being set up by John Arne Riise.