Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish paid tribute to Steven Gerrard after his captain made an impressive return to the starting line-up in the 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United.
The England international, who had played just an hour's football in three substitute appearances this season after a groin operation in March, made his first start in six months at Anfield and netted a free-kick only to see Javier Hernandez equalise.
"The fact we have Steven Gerrard playing is a real boost to us," Dalglish said. "It is fantastic for him he has crowned his first start for a while by scoring."
He added: "He has made a fantastic contribution to this football club and he will continue to do that.
"To see him back was brilliant for us, but more importantly really encouraging for him. He still has a bit to go, but it was fantastic to see him starting a game and he deserves that reward of a goal."
Dalglish's assessment of the first half as "sterile" was just about right, with the match only getting into gear after the break.
Dirk Kuyt had a penalty shout turned down when his header hit Jonny Evans on the arm, while goalkeeper David de Gea pulled off two brilliant saves to deny the Dutchman and substitute Jordan Henderson.
"I think it was pretty even, pretty sterile at the beginning," Dalglish added. "The second half they started a bit better than us but not for too long because we got on top after that.
"We took the lead and then they equalised from a corner before the goalkeeper made two fantastic saves.
"We would like to have had three points, but the way we came back and went for three points after they equalised was admirable."
Source: PA
