Liverpool skipper Gerrard pleased with return from injury

Liverpool: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard declared he felt "fantastic" during his return to action in the side`s 2-0 victory over an Indonesia XI.

It was his first appearance since a shoulder injury ruled him out of the final two games of last season, and he completed the first half without any problems before being replaced by Joe Allen. The 33-year-old, who recently signed a new two-year contract, says he is feeling no after effects from the injury and now has his sights set on further playing time. "It`s nice to play football again in front of our all our supporters," Gerrard told LFC TV. "My shoulder felt fantastic, so it was nice to get the first 45 minutes under my belt and hopefully I`ll get slightly more time in Australia. "It`s been feeling fine now for a few weeks in training, there have been absolutely no problems. The surgeon gave me the go-ahead to play tonight and the manager was sensible in giving me 45 minutes. I`m really happy with how I feel." Gerrard was also full of praise for Liverpool`s four new signings, Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Iago Aspas, and Luis Alberto, all of whom started the match. "I thought that all the new lads did well tonight," Gerrard continued. "I thought [Mignolet] was fantastic with his feet and he did everything well. "Toure looked assured at the back and was very vocal. People are talking about missing Jamie [Carragher] and Jamie`s voice, but I thought Kolo led from the back tonight. "The two Spanish lads, as I said earlier in the week, are wonderful technicians on the ball. Aspas works his socks off for the team and you can see Alberto`s quality. That`s what we bought him for - to play against sides where it`s difficult and you need someone to unlock the door. "They`re the magicians who are going to unlock the defence. I`m really pleased with all the newcomers tonight." Goal.com