Source: Daily_Mail
Steven Gerrard pleased to put six months of injury hell behind him
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is pleased his 'nightmare' is finally over after ending a six-month injury lay-off.[LNB]The England midfielder played the last 15 minutes of the Reds' 2-1 Carling Cup win at Brighton on Wednesday, his first appearance since a groin operation in March.[LNB]Gerrard would have been back sooner had he not picked up an infection in late July which set him back a few more weeks but the 31-year-old is now looking to reclaim his regular spot in the first team.[LNB] [LNB]Welcome back: Steven Gerrard makes his long awaited return as a 75th minute substitute [LNB]'It was good to be back with the lads,' he said.[LNB]'I'd been out a long time and it was fantastic to be out there in that kit again and it was nice to get a win as well.[LNB]'It's been a nightmare for me. I'm not the best when I'm out injured and watching games.[LNB]'It's been tough and the last six months have been a rollercoaster.[LNB]'But it's behind me now and I'm looking forward to getting match fit and getting back in the starting line-up.'[LNB] Into the action: Gerrard took no time adjusting to life back on the pitch[LNB]Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt gave the Reds a comfortable lead and Ashley Barnes' late penalty did not change the outcome.[LNB]The competition is being taken seriously by manager Kenny Dalglish and Gerrard is hopeful they will be rewarded with a good run.[LNB]'We're glad to be in the draw for the next round and we're looking forward to seeing who we get in the draw on Saturday,' added the midfielder.[LNB] Bench warmer: Steven Gerrard jokes with Jonjo Shelvey before coming on[LNB]'We haven't been to a major cup final for a long time.[LNB]'We have to take every cup seriously and when there's no Europe that makes it easier to put strong sides out.[LNB] Hugs all round: Gerrard celebrates with Dirk Kuyt after the Dutchman scored Liverpool's second goal[LNB]'Kenny has assembled a fantastic squad now with a couple of good players in each position.[LNB]'Even when he mixes it around or rests people we still put a strong side out like last night.' [LNB] Dalglish buoyed by Gerrard's Liverpool return following injury lay-offBrighton 1 Liverpool 2: Dalglish's men bounce back but Poyet's Bright sparks give their allCarragher believes Gerrard's return will boost Liverpool's season All the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion[LNB]
