Football News : Gerrard keen to put 2011 behind him

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Kenny Dalglish has claimed Steven Gerrard has "got the lot" but the Liverpool boss swiftly advised against piling too much expectation on his captain.

GettyImagesSteven Gerrard made his return on Boxing Day against Blackburn

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Dalglish is relishing the prospect of throwing Gerrard back into action, but feels it would be folly to expect miracles.

"If we are going to be a one-man band then we have no chance, we are knackered," Dalglish said. "Steven will help because he's got goals, he's got charisma and he's got presence. He's got the lot, but we can't throw everything on to Steven."

Liverpool have struggled for goals this season, netting just 21 in the Premier League, and Dalglish wants his entire squad to show a ruthless streak.

Gerrard himself admits he will be glad to see the end of a year which has seen him sidelined with injury all too often. Last season's groin problem in March required surgery and his comeback in the new campaign was delayed by an infection but after just five appearances he
picked up an ankle infection in late October which kept him out for two months.

Gerrard made his long-awaited comeback against Blackburn on Boxing Day and is now looking forward to 2012.

"Without doubt I'll be glad to see the back of 2011," Gerrard told the
Liverpool Echo. "It's been tough but that's all in the past now.

Gerrard said his latest lay-off had been "absolute torture".

"It's just great to be back involved again," he added. "When the surgeon said I would miss another eight weeks it took me weeks to
get over the news. It was a freak injury and coming so soon after being out for so long with my
groin it's been absolute torture.

"I've just had to work so hard to get back again and now I'm looking forward
to playing games. There have been a lot of lonely days in the gym this year when you struggle
to motivate yourself. I have worked my socks off over the past eight weeks and I feel really good.

"I'm feeling in great condition and all I need now is minutes under my belt to
get the sharpness back."

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