Gerrard ready to boost Liverpool in Cup return

Steven Gerrard is poised to make his long-awaited comeback as Liverpool look to forget their Premier League problems by beating Brighton in their third round League Cup clash on Wednesday.

Gerrard has not played since suffering a groin problem in March which required surgery, but manager Kenny Dalglish is set to use the game to ease his influential captain back into action after six months on the sidelines.

Two successive league defeats, including a 4-0 hammering at Tottenham on Sunday, have marred Liverpool's solid start to the season, but the return of the England midfielder will lift spirits.

"I've said all along, he's done fantastically well to get where he is," said Dalglish when asked about the imminent return of Gerrard.

"We'll just monitor him and pick the right moment for him and us before we get him back. It's natural everyone wants to chase Stevie, especially after you have lost 4-0. "But we'll monitor it, take it how it goes and when both parties agree he'll play."

Gerrard has not been seen in action since helping Liverpool defeat Manchester United 3-1 at Anfield on March 6.

He resumed full training two weeks ago and emerged unscathed after taking part in a practice match last week.