Dalglish not reliant on Gerrard

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has admitted that the return of Steven Gerrard to the Anfield starting XI will boost the team, but has warned the club of being over-dependent on their talisman.

The England international midfielder has had a torrid 2011 due to injuries, and has just regained fitness after an ankle ailment.

With Gerrard set to feature against Newcastle in Merseyside on Friday, the Scottish coach knows that his key player could help The Reds score more goals.

“We could do with a few more goals, and Steven may be able to help us with that,” Dalglish told The Guardian.

“He’s got goals in him, as well as charisma, presence and everything else. But every player in the side is capable of scoring goals; we can’t just put it all on Steven’s shoulders.

“If we are going to be a one-man band we’ve no chance. Every single one of us is going to have to score a few more goals. There’s no magic formula,” he stated.

Gerrard played 20 minutes from the bench in the Boxing Day 1-1 draw with Blackburn, and Dalglish feels that a full 90 minutes may well be out of the midfielder’s reach for the time being.

“He looks unbelievably fit at the moment. I think he feels the bad luck might all be behind him now.

“He just needs game time but we won’t be irresponsible. We’ll just take it as diligently and professionally as we always do. There’s no need to throw him straight in. He’s not ready to last 90 minutes yet, and he’s experienced enough to recognise that.

“There’s no panic. We’d rather have him for the rest of the season than just a couple of games right away,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight