For the best part of a decade, Steven Gerrard has been the heartbeat and conscience of Liverpool, through good times and bad.

But as the Merseysiders embark on a new era under the returning Kenny Dalglish, it remains to be seen whether Gerrard will be able to lead from the front in his customary "Roy of the Rover" style.

The 31-year-old England international struggled with injuries last season, playing in just 21 of 38 Premier League matches before his campaign ended in March following groin surgery.

Gerrard, who made his Liverpool debut 13 years ago in 1998, had hoped to return for the start of the new season refreshed and raring to go.

However, he is now not expected to play until September as his groin continues to cause problems.

He is determined to make an impact when he does return though.

"I want to come back with a bang, I want to have a big season," Gerrard said.

"It's been non-stop football for me since I started when I was 17. I've never had a period of more than four or five weeks out of the game, so it's been nice to rest mentally.

"You don't want to miss games but when you're watching them it gives you that edge, that buzz to get back.

"I'll come back hungry and hopefully there's a very productive season ahead for me."

Gerrard is also fiercely determined to claw back parity with Manchester United, which edged ahead of Liverpool as the most successful English team last season by winning a record 19th title.

"The challenge for us is to equalize. We've got to make sure we've got a squad capable of going into the season and competing with Manchester United," Gerrard said.

"It's important this team delivers very soon because we've been a number of seasons without putting a trophy in the cabinet and that's not what Liverpool is about."

AFP

(China Daily 08/09/2011 page24)