Steven Gerrard must push himself says Steve Clarke

Carl Markham
Thursday 06 October 2011 11:31 BST
Comments
Gerrard has only just returned to action
Gerrard has only just returned to action (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke believes the time is now right for captain Steven Gerrard to step up his bid for regular football.

The England international was left out of Fabio Capello's squad for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro as he has played just 56 minutes of football in three substitute appearances this season.

Gerrard's recovery from a groin operation in March took slightly longer than expected but Liverpool were not prepared to risk the 31-year-old until he was completely ready.

With more than a week until the club's next match, at home to Manchester United, Clarke hopes to see the influential midfielder start pushing himself further.

"For Steven it's just a progression. He's coming back from a long-term injury and we'll try to treat him as cautiously and carefully as we can," the Reds coach told liverpoolfc.tv.

"Obviously there will be a time when he is going to have to push on - and I think this is the time now.

"We've only got a very small group of players left behind because we've got a lot away on international duty but we managed to get a lot of good work into them yesterday.

"With Steven it has been well documented that we're looking after him.

"He's going to have to push himself in the coming weeks - and the more minutes we get into him, the better."

Liverpool's medical and coaching staff believe they have covered every minor detail in managing Gerrard's comeback, tailoring his rehabilitation with specifically designed programmes.

"After you've been out for a long time, you struggle with the pace of the game and the size of the pitches," Clarke added.

"So we worked with him in small areas and then gradually started to make the areas bigger. Every step is important.

"He's handled the steps we've given him so far very well and we'll just look to push him on."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in