GERRARD: WE CAN STAY TITLE COURSE

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool have the staying power to sustain a genuine championship challenge this season. But the Anfield skipper has warned supporters not to become carried away by the flying start to the campaign from Rafael Benitez’s new-look side.

Liverpool went into this week’s international break on top of the Premier League having earlier qualified for the Champions League group stages.

An unbeaten run of six games has seen them net 16 goals and raised expectation among fans that the title drought that stretches back to 1990 could be reaching an end.

And while insisting it’s still early days, Gerrard reckons Benitez’s summer spending spree of more than £40million will ensure Liverpool remain fighting at the top of the table.

“Could it be a great season at Liverpool? I certainly hope so,” said the 27-year-old. “You’ve seen the changes at Liverpool and the signings we’ve made. We’ve got off to a real positive start.

“The idea for us is to stay involved in the title race all the way until the end.

“It’s early days and there’s a lot of people being carried away, especially the supporters. But we understand there’s a long way to go.”

Gerrard yesterday confirmed his availability for England’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier tomorrow against Russia at Wembley.

The midfielder played 71 minutes in the 3-0 thumping of Israel on Saturday, his first action in three weeks after fracturing his toe during Liverpool’s Champions League qualifier in Toulouse last month.

And Gerrard moved to play down any notion of a rift between Liverpool and England over the national team’s handling of the injury.

“I’ve had a few aches and pains, I had a fracture about three weeks ago and been told by the medical staff at England and Liverpool that I will get a the odd ache and pain,” added Gerrard. “I’ve had the odd one but as far as being able to stand up to a game at this level it’s fine and I’ve had no reaction.

“Rafa has been fine. I know you guys (the press) were searching for a bit of a bust-up last week but they’ve both been great with me.

“Steve McClaren was really understanding when the Germany friendly came around. He was all for not risking me himself because he knew we had these two big qualifiers.

“I’ve been in contact with Rafa all week. He’s been telling me to be careful but he also understands how desperate I am to play in these games and been really good with me too.”

Benitez yesterday made it clear he was delighted to see Gerrard in action for England over the weekend.

“Steven did not need an injection and the fact he played with no problems and did well is good news for England, but even better news for Liverpool, thinking about our game with Portsmouth,” said the Anfield manager.

[ 本帖最後由 nesta0013 於 2007-9-13 01:57 AM 編輯 ]

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