Gerrard set for City clash

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident of facing Manchester City on Saturday following a nagging groin injury.

Gerrard has used the international break to step up his rehabilitation from the problem and believes he is over the worst. The England midfielder could start against City after coming off the bench in the draw with Birmingham.

"I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm looking forward to the weekend. There's no mental hurdle to cross," said Gerrard.

"I felt very tired after the (Birmingham) game as I wasn't really ready to return. I'd done very little training in the three weeks beforehand.

"It took me two or three days to recover from that game but I have spent the past week doing strengthening work. I've had a problem in my groin that has taken a while to get over but I'm just relieved the second injection seems to have done the trick.

"It's a case of so far so good and the aim now is to make sure I get a good week's training under my belt so I'm ready for the game with City."

Gerrard is anxious to help Liverpool reignite their campaign, adding: "Some of the lowest points in my career have come about when I have had to miss big games for Liverpool and England through injury," he told the club website.

"It's never easy when you have to sit out games against Manchester United or trips away from home in the Champions League.

"If the lads are winning games and doing well, it makes the pain a bit easier so obviously the last couple of weeks have been extra frustrating.

"But I'm feeling good now, a lot stronger than before and it's just a question of getting my match sharpness back now. That is the most important thing."