Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted that the return of a fully-fit Lucas Leiva to the Reds' midfield will be crucial in the second half of the season.

Leiva missed most of last season with a knee problem and was ruled out for more than two months of the current campaign with a thigh injury.

The Brazilian has eased his way back to fitness after returning to the first team in December, a boost that Gerrard believes will help the Liverpool skipper get forward and score more goals.

He told the club's official website: "Now that Lucas is back, it gives me the licence to get forward a lot more so hopefully I can add some more goals.

"People's perceptions and the way they judge you changes when you get a goal. I've got the buzz that the team's improving and it's going to get better.

"I'm confident that by the end of the season I will be satisfied with myself and the team."

Gerrard also revealed that he expects to get back to his best in the next few weeks.