Dalglish warns not to expect Gerrard miracles

Kenny Dalglish has warned fans not to expect Liverpool’s goalscoring misfortunes to suddenly be turned around by the return of captain Steven Gerrard from injury.

Gerrard came on as a second half substitute during the Reds’ 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day, his first piece of action since October, having already missed the start of the season through injury.

Liverpool have been struggling to find the goal of late, with goals becoming inconsistent and drying up. But Dalglish warns although Gerrard will provide the team with a new energy, he must be eased back into regular football.

Ahead of Friday night’s Premier League clash against Newcastle Utd at Anfield, in which Gerrard stands in line to start, Dalglish told press, “We could do with a few more goals, and Steven may be able to help us with that,. 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 looks unbelievably fit at the moment,” Dalglish added. “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.”

Dalglish also took the opportunity to praise the work of his players during Gerrard’s absence through injury, including summer signing Charlie Adam who has stepped into Gerrard’s role in the middle.

“I just think it’s a great credit to the rest of the lads that they have done so well without Steven. We all know what a great player he is, and if we are already playing well without him it can only improve us when he returns.”

Liverpool vs Newcastle gets underway at 7.45pm on Friday night.

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