Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said that he was glad to see captain Steven Gerrard return to action against Hull City.

The midfielder came off the bench in the 2-0 win on New Year's Day to make his first appearance for the side since picking up a hamstring injury against West Ham United last month.

Rodgers has insisted that Gerrard is a crucial player for the Merseyside club.

"It's vitally important to have Steven back, his influence in the team is critical for us," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website.

"He's worked tirelessly to get back having been out. We just wanted to get him some minutes on the pitch. He wasn't ready to start the game, but his influence back in the team gives us another player of real quality.

"Over the course of the next 10 days, he'll get right up to speed and it's great to have him back."

Liverpool face Oldham Athletic at Anfield in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.