Kenny Dalglish says news that Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has committed the rest of his career to the club is "fantastic" and believes the inspirational midfielder will be key to his side's chances of silverware and a top-four Premier League finish this season.
The Reds finally have Gerrard back in their side following an injury-plagued 12 months and he looked close to his best when scoring the vital goal from the penalty spot in the 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final, first leg win at Manchester City on Wednesday.
That was the second game in a row that the England man has started a game after a spell out with an ankle injury that came hot on the heels of a troublesome groin problem which affected him at the start of the season. Those looking at the best football betting markets will be hoping he is over the problem now.
His return is a major boost for Dalglish, who is hoping Gerrard can lead his side to glory in the Carling Cup and also spearhead their pursuit of Chelsea and Arsenal as they aim for a return to the top four in the second half of the campaign.
"He picked up a couple of infections which were completely unrelated. He's come back fantastically well and is starting to get himself back to full fitness," said Dalglish.
"For us, for Steven and for everybody connected with football club it's fantastic news. We're delighted for him and are looking forward to him getting back to full fitness and working hard for us and with us."
Gerrard has also agreed a new contract which will see him ending his playing days at the club he came through the ranks at and, beyond his career, he will then take up an ambassadorial role at Anfield.
Dalglish knows how important a figure the 31-year-old is - both on and off the pitch - and he is delighted with the skipper committing himself to the club for the rest of his life.
"It's fantastic for everybody," the Reds boss added.
Dalglish, who is preparing his side for the visit of Stoke on Saturday, even believes that Gerrard could eventually be crowned the club's greatest-ever player - an accolade usually afforded to the Scot himself.
"He's certainly made a huge contribution to the football club. Other people have different opinions, but he wouldn't be far away from being mentioned as the greatest player for Liverpool Football Club," Dalglish admitted.
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