0
LIVERPOOL: Steven Gerrard wants to make up for his six-month injury absence by inspiring Liverpool to their first major silverware since 2006.
Gerrard is in the frame to start his first match since March 6 when Wolves visit Anfield on Saturday.
It follows the 31-year-old England midfielder's successful return in midweek, when Gerrard appeared as a substitute for the final 15 minutes of his team's 2-1 League Cup third round win at Brighton.
Gerrard, who has been troubled by a groin injury which required surgery, described the last six months as a “nightmare”.
But he is determined to make up for lost time by helping Kenny Dalglish's side bring silverware to Anfield.
“We're glad to be in the draw for the next round and we're looking forward to seeing who we get in the draw on Saturday,” said Gerrard after his successful comeback on Wednesday.
“We haven't been to a major cup final for a long time. We have to take every cup seriously and when there's no Europe that makes it easier to put strong sides out.
“It's been tough and the last six months have been a rollercoaster. It's been a nightmare for me. I'm not best when I'm out injured and watching games.
“It's behind me now and I'm looking forward to getting match fit and getting back in the starting line-up.”
Gerrard's return to action has put him in the frame to feature in England's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro on October 7.
But Dalglish has urged England coach Fabio Capello to be careful with Gerrard as Liverpool look to avoid another club-versus-country row.
Gerrard suffered a damaged hamstring towards the end of England's 2-1 friendly defeat to France last November, an injury which sparked an angry reaction as Liverpool had been expecting Gerrard to play no more than an hour.
Asked whether it would be a risk if Gerrard was named in the squad for the away game with Montenegro, where a draw will book England's ticket to Euro 2012, Dalglish said on Thursday: “I don't pick England's team.
“Whatever they have to do, they have to do,” he said. “But I would just hope that they're as intelligent as what we have been.”
Defenders Fabio Aurelio (Achilles) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) have returned to training, but the Wolves match has come too soon for either full-back to feature. Denmark international centre-back Daniel Agger is also missing with a fractured rib sustained in last Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Tottenham.
Like Liverpool, Wolves have also lost their last two league games after an unbeaten three-match start to the season.
But manager Mick McCarthy, who wants to sign free agent James McFadden, is not daunted by his team's trip to Anfield.
“Maybe Liverpool is the best fixture for us after last weekend - to go to Anfield and play when there's no pressure on us,” said McCarthy.
“Liverpool away - there's no pressure and we're not expected to get anything, so it's a place we can go and play.”
Captain Roger Johnson is expected to be fit after a calf injury while winger Adam Hammill is hoping for the chance to face his former club.
