Gerrard close to comeback

Last updated : 05 September 2011 By Al Campbell

The skipper hasn't played since the 3-1 win over Man Utd back on the 6th of March but he hopes to be available again later this month.

"I feel really good and I'm back kicking balls again - it's all positive. I should be back in full training with the team on Thursday or Friday," said Gerrard.

"I won't be involved against Stoke next Saturday but my plan is to hopefully be involved in the game against Tottenham. It will be Kenny's decision when I come back in.

"I need to get some full training with the team under my belt and I'll have a better idea of my fitness condition when I play in a practice match which is being arranged. 

"At the moment it's all good and I'm itching to get back. In fact it's worse than itching, my stomach is turning.

"It's been a tough five months for me since I had the surgery. It's been up and down emotionally and I've missed playing so much.

"I've had a good rest, I'm fired up and I'm raring to go again. I know I'm going to come back fitter, stronger and hungrier than ever."