Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is finally ready to be unleashed on the Premier League, after coming through a specially-arranged practice game unscathed.
But manager Kenny Dalglish insisted there will be no automatic first-team return for the Kop idol after a seven-month absence with a groin injury.
The Reds boss explained that he will now have to judge when the time is right to put the midfielder back into the starting line-up, given the lack of game time under his belt.
And that points to the inspirational Anfield star being on the bench for the visit to Spurs on Sunday before getting a much-needed run-out at Brighton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
Dalglish confirmed Gerrard played the behind-closed doors match on Monday without incient, and has been training hard the past few days.
“Steven came through the training match no problem. He trained this (Thursday) morning no problem,” the Liverpool boss explained. "Now it is all about timing and common sense
“We have always said that we have got to manage the situation, not just with Steven but for everybody. Everybody wants to play.
“But if you have been out that long, you may as well wait until it is right. We are not trying to be anything other than totally realistic and honest in our appraisal with Steven.
“We are not going to get ahead of ourselves here and start talking Steven up [only] for him not to play. That would then be seen as a disappointment.
"We will just take our time now, and put him back in when the timing is right for everyone.”
The mere fact that their skipper is back in action will give a much-needed boost to Liverpool, as they prepare for what will be one of the key games of their season.
Spurs, along with their north London rivals Arsenal are the Reds’ main rivals for a top four place, and Dalglish is looking for another victory to go with the fine win over the Gunners at the Emirates.
He believes the presence of Gerrard can only help his team achieve that.
“If you have got someone like Steven in your squad, it is going to raise the profile and the standard,” he explained.
“We want to have a really strong squad and him being in it makes it much stronger. A fit Steven Gerrard strengthens this football club, no question.
“There are players who you will always appreciate what they have done for the football club and he is certainly one of them. He has done as much for the club as anyone else.”
Dalglish may yet spring a surprise by using Gerrard at White Hart Lane but, with his midfield firing, the cup tie in Brighton seems a more likely option.
The Liverpool manager also has Martin Kelly back to replace the injured Glen Johnson, with scans confirming the England right-back will be out for at least a month with a hamstring tear.
By David Maddock, Mirror Football
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