STEVEN GERRARD says he owes a huge debt of gratitude to Liverpool’s medical staff who have helped him on the long road back to fitness.

The Reds skipper hasn’t played since the victory over Manchester United in March and it has been a long road back.

But physio Chris Morgan even spent time with Gerrard and his family in Portugal this summer as he masterminded his recovery.

“They have been unbelievable,” he said. “Doctor Zaf (Iqbal) has been either with me or on the phone every day over the past five months.

“Chris Morgan has basically run my whole rehab along with Rob Price.

“I owe a lot to those three but especially Chris.

He’s a young physio who is considered maybe the fourth physio here but for me he’s the best injury rehab physio we have.

“I’ve worked with many physios over the years at this club and at England level and he’s the best I’ve ever had to do major rehabs with. He’s done fantastically well and deserves a lot of credit for the shape he has got me in.

“Chris has been with me since the day of the operation in April. He’s been to every hospital to see every doctor and hear every opinion.

“When I’ve had small setbacks I’ve been on the phone to him at 1am or 2am. The last five months have been a rollercoaster but he’s been there for me and has helped get me through it.

“In the last few weeks the fitness coaches Darren Burgess and Jordan Milsom have done my outside work but I shouldn’t really thank them because they have run me into the ground! Seriously, the plan they have had for me has been brilliant.”

During a week-long stay in hospital last month to have treatment for an infection linked to the operation the club rallied around the skipper.

”The support I received in hospital meant a lot to me,” Gerrard said.

”The owners, Damien Comolli, Kenny Dalglish and the players all came into see me.

“After having a bit of a setback that really picked me up.”