Gerrard returns to training

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has revealed he is nearing a return to first-team football after resuming full training.

The Reds captain suffered a groin injury in March that ruled him out for the remainder of last season and having failed to take part in any of Kenny Dalglish’s side’s pre-season matches, the 31-year-old has conceded he has found the return to training difficult.

“I’ve been in full training for the last two days,” Gerrard told Liverpool’s official website. “It came as a bit of shock to the system actually because I’ve been one on one with Darren Burgess for the last three or four weeks working really hard to get to a certain level of fitness.”

“Now I’m back in with the boys, it’s a completely different ball game – it’s a lot more tougher, quicker and I’ve struggled the last two days, so I’m really tired at the moment.”

“But I’m back in full training and looking forward to being involved with the lads in games in the coming weeks.”

Manager Kenny Dalglish big spending in the off-season has so far paid off for Liverpool, with the Reds taking seven points from their first three games in the best start in recent seasons.

Gerrard said the injection of new faces like Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson had created an air of confidence around Anfield, one he hoped would help on their trip to Stoke City on Saturday.

“The mood is fantastic. Even though I’ve been injured, I’ve been going to the games and still been seeing the lads day in, day out at Melwood,” Gerrard said.

“The confidence is really high. Everyone is smiling and enjoying training, and I think that is showing in the performances.”

“We’ve started the season really well and hopefully we can continue that tomorrow (at Stoke).”