'We must be responsible with Gerrard'

Kenny Dalglish admits having Steven Gerrard back in the squad has given everyone at Liverpool a huge boost but has vowed to be responsible with his skipper.

The Reds midfielder made his comeback after six months out as a second half substitute in Wednesday's Carling Cup win at Brighton. Gerrard is likely to be on the bench again for the visit of Wolves tomorrow as he continues to build up his match fitness.

"If Steven is fit and available it doesn't half strengthen the squad," the Reds boss said.

"For the players who have come in this summer they haven't really seen him train or play games. Some may have played against him but some haven't. They've got a lot to look forward to.

"The most important thing for us is to continue the way we have done so far. To make sure we are responsible enough to get him through this and move him forward.

"Steven deserves to progress. It's been a disappointing time for him with injuries and we don't want to ruin this opportunity after he has done so well.

"We will continue to be as diligent as we have been. We don't have any programme set up whereby it was 20 minutes on Wednesday and so much more the next time. We just need to take it as it comes and he understands that. He's well educated and he will manage himself better than anyone else.

"We're not going to set targets for Steven after playing 20 minutes. We're very encouraged with the progress he has made. The most important thing for us is to be responsible."

Asked how he would feel if England called up Gerrard for next month's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro, Dalglish added: "I don't pick England's team. Whatever they have to do, they have to do. I just hope they are as intelli-gent as we have been."

Source: Liverpool Echo

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