Gerrard: My fitness latest

The Liverpool skipper has been sidelined since March due to a groin problem and has played just half a dozen times under Kenny Dalglish's second reign.

However, Gerrard took another step towards his Reds comeback by resuming full training alongside his teammates this week - and he is relishing a first-team return in the coming weeks.

Speaking on LFC TV's Friday Night Live, the No.8 said: "I've been in full training for the last two days. 

"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."

Click the image below to watch our chat with Gerrard

Gerrard's last appearance came in the 3-1 victory over Manchester United on March 6.

He admits it's been frustrating to watch from the sidelines, rather than leading his teammates into battle.

Gerrard added: "I'm not the best at watching football, I won't lie! I have played football since I was seven and have always loved it. I still do to this day.

"To watch from the side when you can't be involved and playing is really frustrating, but I'm really close now so I'm getting excited and looking forward to coming back."

In his absence, Liverpool have made a scintillating start to the 2011-12 season, collecting seven points from their opening three Barclays Premier League matches to build upon a promising end to last term.

Seven new players were recruited over the summer to considerably bolster the Reds' ranks - and Gerrard is delighted by the strength of the current squad at Anfield.

He said: "I'm really pleased. I think we're looking stronger - physically stronger as well.

"The competition in each position is fantastic. We've near enough got two top players in each position, so there is going to be a big fight on for places and Kenny has got some big decisions to make in the coming weeks.

"I think it's fantastic for the club that we've started the season well. There is a great atmosphere and spirit between the supporters and players, so we need to continue that."

Gerrard added: "All the new lads are settling in well. Kenny has bought mainly British, so obviously they settle easier.

"We've got a great bunch of lads. The team spirit is fantastic and everyone is enjoying it."

While Liverpool's stylish attacking play has caught the eye on the pitch, away from the field a strong team spirit has been in evidence.

Gerrard believes this has proven a key factor in our impressive early-season form.

He said: "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.

"The confidence is really high. Every one 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)."

Such has been Liverpool's form, some have suggested the Reds could be amongst the forerunners for the league title come May.

"The ingredients are there," said Gerrard. "We've got a good manager, the training is fantastic with Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen, the fans are happy, and the players are there.

"Now we just need that bit of luck, keep everybody fit and take each game as it comes and try to win them all. Then we'll see where we are around Christmas and reassess it then."