Steven Gerrard eventually enjoyed what could be his final decisive afternoon at Anfield, missing a penalty and scoring the winner as Liverpool beat QPR 2-1 to send their opponents closer to Premier League relegation.
The former England captain was recalled to the home line-up for potentially a penultimate appearance on home turf for his beloved club, providing he steers clear of injury or suspension.
And, after QPR midfielder Leroy Fer cancelled out Philippe Coutinho's 19th-minute opener, MLS-bound Gerrard grasped the ball for a 79th-minute penalty awarded for a pull by Nedum Onuoha on Martin Skrtel.
Onuoha collected a second booking for a rash foul on substitute Jordon Ibe and QPR were unable to hang on as Gerrard planted a header from Coutinho's 87th-minute corner past Green.
The defeat means QPR are seven points from safety with three games remaining and Chris Ramsey's men could be relegated by the time they take to the field at Manchester City next Sunday.
Gerrard returned for Liverpool alongside Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, as both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect following the passing of QPR defender Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca Ellison.
Fer - starting ahead of Bobby Zamora in QPR's only change - had the ball in the net within the first minute, but the officials ruled that Matt Phillips' scuffed corner went out of play.
QPR top scorer Charlie Austin blazed wide on the turn during an increasingly rare attack for Ramsey's men, while Green kept out a Gerrard free-kick.
That miss was surpassed by England team-mate Sterling, who lifted over from close range four minutes later when found by a wonderful Henderson cross.
Liverpool rued their poor finishing when Fer was allowed ample room to volley home from Barton's right-wing set-piece.
Green's heroics and something far less desirable from Onuoha then set the stage for a Gerrard to send the Kop into familiar raptures.
