Benitez waits on Torres, Gerrard and Johnson's fitness

Reds boss Rafael Benitez is waiting on late fitness tests on Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson ahead of Sundays Premiership clash with Manchester United. All three are recovering from groin problems and it is hoped they will be ready for the North West derby. Torres trained with his teammates today and will be further assessed tomorrow, while Johnson missed the midweek Champions League defeat to Lyon. Benitez has spoken of his belief that Johnson will be fit and he also hopes Gerrard recovers in time for the game.

"It's the same situation for all the players," said Benitez to the official web site today.

"Fernando trained today and has been working to a specific programme.

"We will speak with the physios over the weekend before making a decision about Steven.

"Hopefully Glen will be available but we'll have to wait and see. We will make late decisions with all of them."

Asked if Alberto Aquilani would play a part in Sundays game, after his midweek appearance for the reserves, Benitez replied:

"No, I don't think so. We wanted to give him some time on the pitch but still it's too soon to say when he can play for the first team."

Gerrard fit to play Lyon, but Torres is out

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been passed fit to play in tomorrow nights Champions League tie against Lyon after overcoming a thigh injury that had ruled him out of the Reds defeat to Sunderland on Saturday. However Striker Fernando Torres who is still suffering from an abductor problem, picked up on international duty with Spain in Armenia last week, will miss the game.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his skippers inclusion will be a major boost to a team clearly struggling with confidence.

"With Steven around, it has an effect on the other players. He is an inspiration to them, said Benitez in the Independent.

"Steven is a winner with the right mentality. But we have to see these players on the pitch, they cannot win games when they are injured.

"The team knows we are not playing at the right level, but they also know that we are good enough.

"They know we must start playing again at that level, their response in training has been positive and we must repeat that on the pitch. One good result will change everything.

"I am confident in my team, we are trying to improve and the response of the players this week has been very good and back to our best.

"We have gone from winning five on the trot to losing three in succession. We were scoring lots of goals and now we have not scored in three.

"But I do not believe there is much difference in all these games. We have played well, created chances and won praise for our attacking play.

"We have not changed our tactics, it just shows how close teams are to each other. We lost to Chelsea but were in control for much of the game and then we lose when the ball hits a beach ball.

"We have virtually the same group of players as we had last season, and that ended up with us finishing second.

"Hopefully we can start to win again, the atmosphere will be better and the mood will change as confidence improves.

"We have Gerrard back now, and we have players who are fresher than they were after the international games. I hope that the Champions League will create a special atmosphere that will inspire the players, as it usually does in games like this at Anfield.

"In training this week I can see the team we were in the past. They are almost the same players as last season, we need confidence and some wins, there is no need to start worrying.

"I believe we are strong enough to compete just as we did last season. These players have the quality, they need to play one or two good games and everything will improve.

"It is not the end of the world, it is a bad position but we will come back and start fighting again."

"Torres is not ready, so we have to wait a little longer but hopefully he will be okay for the weekend against Manchester United.

"The problems we have had this season have been too many to solve. We have had problems with our centre-backs, then there was Gerrard unfit and now we also have forwards out.

"There have been too many things all at once. We have to wait for our injured players to return, then things will be a lot better.

"We need people fit, we need the end of the international breaks and then we can all work together to improve.

"First we must win against Lyon, that will get us back on the right road."

Gerrard and Torres sidelined for Sunderland clash

Todays Premiership clash with Sunderland could prove a tougher test then first thought, now that news has emerged that both Liverpool's influential captain Steven Gerrard and Spanish marvel Fernando Torres have been sidelined for the match at Wearside.

Both players sustained injuries whilst on international duty in midweek. Gerrard missed England's win over Belarus on Wednesday after picking up a groin injury in the defeat by Ukraine. Torres suffered from an adductor problem in Spain's win over Armenia last weekend and he was rested for the midweek win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The duo are not the only casualties, as new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos suffered a knee injury during Greece's 2-1 win over Luxembourg. Early indications suggested the former Rangers man may have sustained cruciate ligament damage, however a scan confirmed this not to be the case.

As if to compound Benitez's selection problems further, Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, only arrived back on Merseyside after a fifteen hour flight from Buenos Aires yesterday.

Liverpool manager has increasingly become frustrated by his players sustaining injuries whilst away on international duty:

"Both Steven and Fernando still have some problems," Benitez confirmed during his pre match press conference yesterday.

"They will need more time and won't be available this weekend. I think they could be available for next week," reports Sky Sports.

"We were talking with our medical staff and analysing all the problems, but now we can't change the situation and would prefer to concentrate on Sunderland," he said.

"I need to worry about the players I have rather than those I don't."

Dirk Kuyt had also suffered from an ankle problem in midweek but Benitez confirmed it was not an issue and the Dutch international is likely to lead the forward line.

"Kuyt is okay. He was training normally with the team and will be available," added Benitez.

"With Kyrgiakos we were really worried because people were talking about maybe six months, but after the scan we think one week to ten days. That's very positive," he said.

The Reds boss also confirmed summer signing Alberto Aquilani is now training with the first team.

"His physical problems, he is okay and now he has to work on his condition and so hopefully he will be fitter next week," he said.

"But he is now training with the first team and that is the most important thing."

Gerrard says Reds need to react against Fiorentina defeat

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says the Reds need to bounce back quickly in order to get over their Fiorentina defeat in the Champions League on Tuesday and there's no better place to start then against Chelsea this Sunday.

"We need to get the defeat in Florence out of our system quickly, because we have a massive game now at Chelsea on Sunday," said Gerrard in the Independent.

"We were disappointed to lose in Florence, we were second best all over the pitch and deserved to go in at the break losing."

"The reaction was better in the second half and we created some chances, but we just could not get into the game. We did not do what we usually do away from home in Europe.

"We normally play at a high tempo and pass the ball really well, and play well on the counter-attack. But all over the pitch we just did not turn up. But this group is still wide open, there's plenty of football to be played and we are now in the same position as Fiorentina with a win and a defeat, and they still have to face us at Anfield.

"If we win our next home game [against Lyons], things will be different. If we win our home games now that should be enough, we'll be fine.

"What we need is to produce a reaction from this defeat at Stamford Bridge, that has to be the aim now.

"But we need to get this defeat out of our system quickly, because we have a massive game now at Chelsea.

Torres will get better says Benitez

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, nicknamed El Nino, has come in for criticism recently, with many people stating he looked an unhappy figure this season. Torres has been in for some rough treatment this term so far, but the Spanish striker showed why he's considered the best in the world in yesterdays victory over West Ham. Skipper Steven Gerrard certainly agrees with that assessment, stating the criticism comes with the territory.

“He seems to be playing okay," said Gerrard in the Star.

“That’s the standard he sets. He was certainly on fire today and got two goals for us. When you’re a top player, you get that sort of criticism.

“We’re building confidence slowly. The two defeats were a bit of a blow but hopefully we can go on a run now.”

Torres who's first goal was a sublime solo effort that seemed near impossible to complete when he received the all. His second was a header from a Ryan Babel cross, who somehow found space between two West Ham players.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said: “I think we deserved all three points. I’m really pleased because the players showed character.”

“Fernando is a very good player."

“Last week he was not scoring and everybody was asking if he was fit or not."

“This week he scores two goals and I was very pleased. He was working hard. He was a threat. The main thing for us is for him to keep working. He’s keen to learn. Hopefully he will get better."

“He’s now fit but if he can’t play one or two games we have Dirk Kuyt or Babel."

“If he keeps playing like he did today I am sure he will be one of the best strikers in the Premier League.”

Gerrard admits his England performance was inspired by Michael Shields

Steven Gerrard has admitted that the news of Michael Shields release inspired his England performance last night. The Reds skipper scored twice in England's 5-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley stadium, booking their place at next summer’s World Cup finals.

The Liverpool captain who returned to Melwood today to start preparations for Saturday’s clash with Burnley said:

“It’s fantastic news both for Michael and his family,” said Gerrard in the Echo.

“I’m really pleased for all of them. It was a good day for me, scoring two goals and qualifying for the World Cup having switched on the television earlier in the day and seeing the news about Michael. It gave me a real boost."

Michael Shields and his family have been invited by the Reds to be guests at Saturday’s game against Burnley. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez speaking ahead of the match said:

"I think everyone here at Liverpool is really pleased. It was a situation that for a long time we were trying to change.

"The players, the club and the people of Merseyside were pushing, so everyone is really pleased.

"we've had contact before and we will have contact in the future because we were supporting them from the first day.

Asked about if Shield will attend Saturdays game, Benitez said:

"I think that we are trying to do something, but we will see. You cant push him too much, so the main thing now is 'how he feels' and if he wants to come, clearly we would be really pleased."

Gerrard hopes Bolton win will kick start Reds title charge

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes the determination of the players following the victory over Bolton on Saturday will kick start the clubs season and their title charge. Gerrard who's stunning half volley sealed the win at the Reebok Stadium said:

“It’s been well documented that it’s been a tough week and this is a big win for us,” said Gerrard in the Echo.

“No-one expected us to lose two of our opening three games and there was a lot of pressure on us to deliver three points.

“The performance played second fiddle today and it was all about the result.

“People were writing us off after three games which is madness.

“But we responded in the right way and we can take a lot of confidence from this result.

“I think things will settle down now and we will go on a good run of results.”

“All the players knew the performance wasn’t good enough against Aston Villa,” he said.

“I’ve had a difficult start myself and I held my hands up in the dressing room after the Villa game and said I wasn’t good enough.

“I’m man enough to do that. I needed to react personally today and I felt I did that.

“It’s always nice to win and score but if throughout the week you are under extra pressure and you hear people sniping away, trying to put the team down, then you get a little bit more satisfaction.

“We needed to react today and everyone stood up to be counted. We controlled the game all the way through and it was well deserved in the end.”

“I played a little bit deeper today and tried to get on the ball. It was the same role I played here last year.

“It was a difficult first 45 minutes because Muamba was like my shadow.

“I think if I had gone to the toilet in the first half he would have probably followed me!

“When they went a man down they couldn’t man mark me. That’s when the game opened up and we could punish them.”

“After finishing second last year everyone expected us to get off to a flying start and go straight to the top of the table,” he said,

“But we didn’t have a perfect pre-season. Players joined up late and we had bad luck with injuries. I’m not looking for excuses but we had disruptions.

“We always knew at times it was going to be difficult and we’ve been a bit edgy.

“I think the league this year is a lot different to last year when the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United were winning every game.

“I don’t think that will be the case this year. I think there are seven or eight top clubs in this league now who will be taking points off each other and the total needed to win the league will be lower this time.

“You can say the international break has come at a bad time because we’ve won and you want the next game to come as soon as possible

"but we can use this time to get people back. Fabio Aurelio isn’t far away and Daniel Agger won’t be far away either.

“Hopefully the boys who are off on international duty can stay fit, win for their countries and come back stronger.”

Media Round-Up: Liverpool 1 - Aston Villa 3

After last nights bitterly disappointing result against Villa, it was obvious the headlines weren't going to be pretty. Ten days after Liverpool started their campaign and six points dropped, the Reds have been written off as title contenders. The tabloids have deliriously eliminated their chances and bookmakers have dropped odds on the Anfield club capturing the Premiership title in May. With almost nine months to go, 35 matches left to play and a total of 105 potential points yet to win, Liverpool are out of the title race, its official!! Even with this ridiculous assessment in mind, some of the criticism leveled towards the club is damn right ludicrous!

Take a deep breath.... here's the 'Media Round-Up'.

"Are Liverpool already out of this year's title race?" screams the Guardian!

"The season is little over a week old, yet after tonight's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Liverpool have already lost as many games as they did last year. Home draws ultimately cost Rafael Benítez's side the title then; this time a loss on home soil, their first since losing to Manchester United in December 2007, may be the premature nail in the coffin. Even at this stage, is it time to write off Liverpool's chances for another season?"

"What of Benítez? Rumours were rife that he was going to quit last Wednesday when he stormed out of a training session, but he returned and Liverpool beat Stoke City 4-0 at Anfield. If, as it appears, he really is incapable of delivering Liverpool's first title since 1990, is it time for him to go? Or is it simply the case that this is the best Liverpool can expect, given the lack of available funds? With that in mind, was Benítez right to spend most of his budget on the admittedly impressive Glen Johnson when Liverpool arguably needed more firepower?"

"Crisis looms as Rafael Benítez hunts for answers," shouts the Telegraph.

"One glance at Liverpool’s bench is enough to outline why it has become so commonplace to assume that the side which finished second in the Premier League last season could yet drop three places and, disastrously, out of the Champions League places. Two youth team players, a striker deemed lacking last year and farmed out on loan and an Italian left-back Benítez countenanced selling. It hardly inspires confidence."

"Only the mercurial Ryan Babel and the industrious Albert Riera, of his reserves last night, could conceivably change a game against a side of Villa’s quality."

"Angry Benítez points finger at Gerrard," shriek's the Times.

"Rafael Benítez blamed his senior players — including Steven Gerrard — after watching Liverpool lose 3-1 to Aston Villa at Anfield last night."

"Benítez was quick to spread the blame throughout his ranks, putting particular emphasis on his belief that Liverpool were let down by some of their biggest names, including Gerrard, the captain, who gave away the penalty that sealed their fate."

"Lucas gift sparks Liverpool implosion," declares the Independent.

"One early season defeat is careless, two and it starts to feel like a crisis. Rafael Benitez's regime is well-accustomed to lurching from triumph to disaster and back again but last night's defeat had a gloomy, ominous quality that hinted at problems that run far deeper."

"It was Steven Gerrard's ludicrous tackle on Nigel Reo-Coker that conceded the penalty from which Ashley Young scored Villa's third and decided the game. Fernando Torres scored Liverpool's only goal but this season they will need so much more from him. With his black eye, streaky blond hair and constantly scowling demeanour Torres looked like a latter-day Paul Calf, railing against all the injustices of the world."

"Kop that! Benitez slams Gerrard after Aston Villa stun Liverpool at Anfield," cry's the Mail.

"Lucas gifted Villa a 43rd-minute lead with a headed own goal. But Benitez appeared more concerned with the way Jamie Carragher allowed Curtis Davies to nip in front of him for a near-post header just before half time and the manner in which Gerrard conceded a decisive penalty with a rash challenge two minutes after Liverpool had reduced the arrears."

Clearly the article's in the Mail and the Times are attempting to create further unrest in the club by forcing a wedge between players and manager. This is the last thing the club needs after such disappointing results and it's clear that after such lows, the team and the fans need to pull together. Benitez asked for "the experienced players to take more responsibility," yet this has been translated by the press into:

"Rafa Benitez pointed an accusing finger at Steven Gerrard and his senior players after Liverpool's first Barclays Premier League defeat at Anfield in 21 months."

Speaking in the post match press conference Benitez said:

“If you look at the goals we conceded, the first [the Lucas own goal] was a mistake and the second was in [first-half] injury time,” said Benítez. “Then we scored and, at a crucial moment, we gave away a penalty. We made too many mistakes at crucial times. It was a clear penalty."

“It was not only Lucas. We have to be fair. Gerrard gave away the penalty. There were too many people involved. If you want to analyse the mistakes of each player, you would have to analyse a lot of things in the game. We are talking about some names, but clearly the team has to improve and it depends on the experienced players to take more responsibility."

“If you are losing, the only way to change things is to win. After we lost the first game, we managed to beat Stoke 4-0. Now we have to try to respond in the same way and win against Bolton at the weekend.”

"It's not good talking about the title. We can't afford to look any further than our next game. People can talk about transfer funds but this team finished so close to the top last season and should be doing better."

Gerrard nominated for UEFA Club Footballer of the Year

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been shortlisted for the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year. The award is to be presented during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Thursday 27 August.

The voting procedure gives the coaches of the 16 teams that reached the knockout phase of the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League the possibility to cast their votes for each position as well as to nominate the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year 2009 of their choice.

The 12 nominees up for the award are:

Petr Čech, Víctor Valdés, Edwin van der Sar, Gerard Piqué, John Terry, Nemanja Vidić, Steven Gerrard, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo

Benitez talks injuries: Carragher, Skrtel and Gerrard. Will they be fit to face Spurs?

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is hopeful Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard will all be fit for the Reds Premiership clash against Spurs on Sunday. Giving his pre-match press conference the Reds boss said:

"Skrtel trained yesterday and hopefully he'll be fit. Carragher has been working with the physios today and we think he'll be available. Agger is also working with the physios but it will be more difficult for him," said Benitez on the official site.

Benitez also spoke about Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard Gerrard who withdrew from England's friendly international with Holland with a tight groin:

"I am really pleased because Mr Capello wanted to protect players. Because Gerrard had a problem they did a scan and pulled him out of the squad. We don't know if he'll be fit. He was working with the physios yesterday and today.

"If the game would have been on Saturday it would be difficult but because it's on Sunday he could have a chance."

Reds confident Gerrard and Carragher will be fit to face Spurs

Liverpool are hopeful Steven Gerrard will be fit for Sunday’s Premier League opener at Tottenham, reports the Echo. The midfielder did not travel to Holland with the England squad after experiencing a tight groin.

“Gerrard returned to Melwood as a precaution yesterday and intensive treatment should allow him to lead the Reds out at White Hart Lane.”

It is the sixth successive campaign Liverpool have started away from home and the inspirational captain is desperate to play and get the club’s Premiership campaign off to a flying start.

“I don’t think Rafa’s ever had a home game to start the season in all his time at the club,” Gerrard said.

“But I think that if you take a step back and look at it in detail, there are benefits to beginning the season away from home. If you can achieve three points you’ve then got two games to come in front of your own supporters.”

“The start to the season’s always crucial because you can build momentum quickly.”

“They’re all tough games, but if we could get three points from each of the first three games, then that would be us off to a flier and that will be our intention.”

Jamie Carragher is also making good progress. The passionate centre back twisted his ankle in last Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid, but “is expected to play at White Hart Lane and the Reds are confident he will have an experienced defender alongside him,” reports the Echo.

Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have both been sidelined through injury, “however, Rafa Benitez is hopeful either Skrtel or Agger will prove their fitness in time to face Spurs,” says the story.

Gerrard withdraw from England squad with groin injury

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been withdrawn from the England squad to face Holland after suffering a slight groin injury. The Reds midfielder made the decision not to travel out to Amsterdam today after feeling some tightness in his groin. Gerrard who has been with Fabio Capello’s squad since Sunday night, will now return to Melwood for treatment and it is hoped he will be available for the first game of the new campaign. With the match taking place 3 days before the start of the new Premiership season, this is another reason why meaningless friendlies, should be ditched. Hopefully his withdrawal is only a precautionary measure and the Liverpool captain will lead the Reds out at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The Main (Stand) Man Speaks: Gerrard & Torres

'The Main (Stand) Man' brings us part two of his week long analysis of the Reds up-coming Premiership Campaign. His thoughts yesterday viewed the resurgence of Lucas Leiva as an added bonus for the new season, now he turns his attention to...

The Gerrard-Torres combination:

Following the injury issues to both of these players last season, and the limited number of times that Benitez was able to field both in the same game, it is to be hoped that they can both stay fit for the majority of the coming campaign. Certainly on the evidence of the Atletico Madrid game, where they were at times going through the defence at will, it seems they have lost none of the enthusiasm that they seem to exude when playing alongside each other. Given the lack of qualified cover for Torres as an out-and-out striker, a lot will rest on the proficiency of the duo to enable the club to again challenge meaningfully for the title.

Carragher says Gerrard and Torres the best strike partnership in the world

Jamie Carragher believes Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be key to Liverpool's hopes of winning the Premier League this season. The Liverpool defender thinks the fearsome pairing could be the most destructive strike partnership in the world.

"No other team in England has a partnership like Gerrard and Torres," reports Sky Sports.

"It's strange to be talking about Stevie as a striker now, but that's what he's become, and in that position, just behind the main forward, there is no one better."

"In fact, there is no better strike pairing in the world than Gerrard and Torres. They can tear defences wide open in a split second."

"When you have that kind of ability in your team it gives you incredible belief. If we can keep them both free of injury then we are going to take some stopping. There were times last year when we went into games without them and it showed."

"It was great to see them both sign new contracts this summer - they are the most important players in our team."

"If they stay fit and continue to improve then I think we will go very close. We all hope this will be our year, but we'll have to play as well as we did last season and turn the draws that damaged us into wins."

Gerrard glad to put case behind him and concentrate on his football

Liverpool captain gave a short statement outside Liverpool Crown Court after being found not guilty of affray. He said:

"Can I just say how pleased I am with today’s verdict. I’m glad to put this case behind me and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and concentrating on my football now. I’d like to say a big thank you to my legal team, to my friends and family and everyone at Liverpool football club for supporting me."

Judge Henry Globe QC told Gerrard:

"The verdict is a credible verdict on the full facts of this case, and you walk away from this court with your reputation intact."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said that he was delighted with the verdict, who was told of Gerrard's acquittal during a training session in the national stadium of Singapore.

"We are really pleased. He is very important for us and he can now focus just on football,” he told the official web site.

"We are all pleased at the club and over here at the training camp.”

"We have been supporting him all the time and were just waiting for the decision. Now he can concentrate just on football and hopefully play at the same level as last year."


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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard found not guilty of affray

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been found not guilty of affray. The Reds midfielder had been accused of attacking Marcus McGee, 34, after a row over music in the Lounge Inn in Southport, in the early hours of December 29. Gerrard denied affray and says he was acting in self-defence, believing Mr McGee was about to attack him.

The jury was sent out shortly after 11.25am today to consider their verdict. Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool said to the jury before they were left to deliberate "It is of considerable importance to all parties - Marcus McGee, Steven Gerrard and everyone who became involved in the explosion of violence at the Lounge Inn bar in Southport last December. Put aside any football loyalty for impartiality and try the case on the evidence."

The jury needed less then 90 minutes to decide that father of two, Gerrard was not guilty of the charge.

The Reds captain is due to play in a Liverpool XI against Tranmere Rovers tonight.


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Benitez says Gerrard has the support of the club and the fans

Rafael Benítez the Liverpool manager has offered his support to Reds captain Steven Gerrard, who is currently on trial at Liverpool Crown Court on a charge of affray. Speaking at a press conference during their Far East tour the Reds boss said:

"He has the support of the club and, for sure, the fans," reports Sky Sports.

"I think that it will be okay so we are confident that everything will be good and at the end he will be playing for us and scoring a lot of goals."

Gerrard nightclub clash video released

Footage of Steve Gerrard apparently involved in a brawl in a Southport bar last December has been released. The Liverpool captain who was attending his second day at Liverpool Crown is alleged to have been involved in a nightclub clash in the early hours of 29 December in which businessman Marcus McGee, 34, was injured.

Gerrard, the father-of-two is accused of affray - which he denies.

Presecuting QC David Turner said Gerrard asked McGee for a card controlling the CD player, by saying: "Here y'are lad. Give me that lad." But McGee objected to his attitude and the expression 'lad', reports the Guardian.

Turner said: "Not many people on Merseyside, or indeed anywhere else would refuse a request from Steven Gerrard, but Mr McGee did.”

"There can be no doubt that this refusal astounded Steven Gerrard. He walked away back to his party, but the CCTV evidence shows how much his mood had changed. He was no longer the centre of that high-spirited party.”

"He was clearly walking round, pondering, musing over what had happened, about the man who said no to Steven Gerrard."

The prosecution state that six minutes later, Gerrard returned to the bar, approached McGee who was sitting alone and confronted him with the words: "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"Steven Gerrard had clearly lost his cool – he was very angry with Marcus McGee."

One of Gerrard's friends. John Doran, pushed McGee away and elbowed him in the face. The prosecution claims Gerrard then "totally lost it".

"Almost immediately after the blow from John Doran, in fact within seconds, Steven Gerrard joined in the attack with a succession of well-aimed uppercut punches, delivered with the style and speed of a professional boxer, rather than professional footballer."

In police interview Gerrard said he punched Mr McGee because he believed he was going to be attacked.

Proceedings will resume tomorrow morning when it is expected Mr McGee will give evidence.

The footage can be seen here:

Steven Gerrard sets his sights on the Premiership title

Steven Gerrard has spoken about his dream of lifting the Premiership trophy. Speaking to the uefa web site the Reds captain believes there’s one medal he yearns for above all else:

"I still have many more dreams, and that means winning the Premier League because that is the only medal that is missing from my own personal collection," reports the Telegraph.

"And it would be really nice to go to a tournament with England and to be successful, so that means the World Cup next summer for me.”

"I want to go one better than a quarter-final, which is the farthest so far that I have gone in a tournament.”

"It's the last four and the final that I now am aiming for. And I want another success in the Champions League too.”

"People could see my reaction when I lifted that trophy in 2005, how much it means to me, my team-mates and the supporters. That was the best night of my career and I want to match it and experience that success again."

"Now I am thinking about what I will do at the end of my career, I'm not getting any younger.”

"It would be nice to stay involved in the game. I'm not sure at what level as either a manager or a coach or even going into the media. I want to stay involved because football is so important to me."

Rafa reveals his first choice strikers are Torres and Gerrard

Rafa Benitez has revealed his first choice strikers for next season: Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard! He also stated that Andriy Voronin has pledged to fight for his place in the Anfield side, but Benitez admitted it would be difficult for him. Speaking about Voronin, the Reds manager said:

“He did really well in Germany last season, scoring plenty of goals, and he has told me that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his position," reports Sky Sports.

"I have told him that will be difficult with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our first-choice strikers, but he realises this and the players we have in the squad.”

"But he also knows that this club always plays more than 60 games a season and that means there are opportunities. He will fight for his place."

He added: "At this moment, he is a Liverpool player, but it depends on him.

“He is continuing to work hard and is playing well, so he will have a chance. It is good to have him back. When we signed him, we were looking for a player who could play between the lines as a second striker with quality. He has game intelligence, which is something we are always looking for."