Kenny delighted with Stevie's return

Kenny Dalglish believes Steven Gerrard's return from suspension will provide Liverpool with a further boost ahead of Wednesday's clash with Fulham as he hailed the captain as one of the greatest players in the club's history.

The midfielder is set to return to the fold for the visit of the Cottagers after missing matches against Blackpool, Everton and Wolves due to the red card he received in the FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

It comes on the back of a resounding 3-0 win at Molineux on Saturday which further enhanced the feel-good factor around Melwood - and Dalglish is relishing the opportunity to be able to call upon the services of his captain once again.

He told a pre-match press conference: "Having Steven back is fantastic for everybody.

"We had a great result and performance at Molineux on Saturday and we've got a very difficult game coming up against Fulham on Wednesday, so for us to have Steven back on the back of the performance and result we got at the weekend is a great boost for everybody."

He added: "Certainly he's more influential wearing a red shirt more than any other colour, so we'll play him where we think it is best to play him. He is a fantastic footballer, he's served this club unbelievably well and we will certainly ride along on the back of that.

"Your captain being available after missing three games will be a fantastic lift for everybody."

As the man regarded by many to be the greatest player to have ever donned the red jersey, reporters were keen to quiz Dalglish on what qualities he believes make Gerrard a contender for his place at the top of the list of Anfield's all-time greats.

He replied: "He is a special person - he's not just a special footballer.

"The way he has served this club and what the club means to him - it is nothing short of fantastic what he has done for this football club.

"I don't have words in my vocabulary to be complimentary enough about Steven other than to say this club is much better off with him than it could be without him.

"What he's done for this football club, he deserves to be up there in the folklore and the history of the club. He is a fantastic footballer that we're very lucky to have at our disposal."