Gerrard fit and ready

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard says he is fit and raring to go against Manchester City this weekend.

There had been a fear that the influential skipper would need an operation to clear up the groin problem that has been plaguing him all season.

Recent rest appears to have allayed that fear and he now says he is fit and ready to step up a level from the Birmingham game when they take on City this weekend.

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

"It took me two or three days to recover from that game but I have spent the past week doing strengthening work but I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm looking forward to the weekend. There's no mental hurdle to cross.

"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."