Rodgers: Gerrard has big role to play
Brendan Rodgers today paid a glowing tribute to the captain's role Steven Gerrard has continued to play in recent weeks despite being sidelined by a hamstring problem - and insists he remains key to Liverpool's fortunes this season.
The 34-year-old returned from a seven-match spell out as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 win at Swansea City on Monday night.
Gerrard is now fully fit and in contention to face Manchester United this weekend - and Rodgers is adamant he has a huge contribution to make to the remainder of the Reds' campaign, both on and off the pitch.
The manager told reporters at Melwood: "This is a guy who has been a wonderful player - and still is a wonderful player, let's make that clear.
"When he was out injured, I think we had people maybe trying to sensationalise a story about him - will he get into the team?
"Steven was unfit, he was injured. People were trying to write him off and he wasn't back fit.
"He's back fit now, he's available and I can tell you now, he's a guy who is totally committed to the team. He is a fan of this football club, first and foremost.
"He's like any other player and of course he'd like to play, but his support for guys like Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen, who are in the team, has been fantastic and his support to me as a captain has been incredible.
"Anyone who knows him knows he is a selfless guy who puts the team first. He's back now, fighting to play. He's going to have a big part in our season between now and our very last game.
"He's a wonderful, wonderful player and a great captain."
Regardless of whether Gerrard is restored to the starting line-up on Sunday or not, Rodgers is in no doubt the No.8 will give nothing less than all he has got before bringing the curtain down on his Anfield career this summer.
"Even when he doesn't start, he came off the bench the other night and put in a great performance that stablised the team and gave calmness and quality to the team," added the boss. "That's what he will continue to do.
"Every single day of his life, he works his socks off. I've seen it in my time in coaching with players that they're great when they're playing, fantastic professionals, but when they're not playing their attitude is different. Not Steven Gerrard.
"Playing or not playing, he gives unbelievable application and professionalism to his football life. He is a wonderful ambassador for this club and a great role model for the players.
"He's fit, which I said last week was great, he's available and whether he starts or comes off the bench, he's got a big role to play for us."