Steven Gerrard today issued a heartfelt thank you to Liverpool fans for the support they've given him in 2011 as he prepares to continue his comeback against Newcastle United this evening.

The 31-year-old returned to action as a second-half substitute against Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day following an ankle infection that had kept him out of action since late October.

The problem followed on from a groin injury that had ruled Gerrard out from March until September.

However, while he acknowledges the injuries have been a great source of frustration, the club captain is keen to pay tribute to the Reds fans who helped keep his spirits up - and he's eager to repay them.

"It's just great to be back involved again and be back with my teammates," said Gerrard.

"The last eight weeks have been really long. It was a freak injury and coming so soon after being out for so long with my groin it's been absolute torture.

"I've just had to work so hard to get back again and now I'm looking forward to playing games.

"Coming on against Blackburn was special. The reception I got when I came on was really touching and it meant a lot to me.

"There have been a lot of lonely days in the gym this year when you struggle to motivate yourself. But moments like that on Monday night make it all worthwhile.

"The support I've had from the supporters throughout has been magnificent and I want to thank them for that."

He added: "I have worked my socks off over the past eight weeks and I feel really good.

"I'm feeling in great condition and all I need now is minutes under my belt to get the sharpness back.

"Kenny knows me inside out and he will know when the time is right for me to come in from the start. He will make the decision and I will just follow his lead.

"Hopefully I'll play some part in the game against Newcastle and we all want to finish 2011 on a high."

In total, Gerrard has played just 12 times for Kenny Dalglish since the Anfield legend was restored to the managerial hotseat last January - but he's now looking forward to putting together a regular run in the side over the remainder of the campaign.

He said: "Without doubt I'll be glad to see the back of 2011. It's been tough but that's all in the past now.

"We have got a massive game against Newcastle and we need to take care of that and finish this year on a high before we start thinking about next year.

"But I'm looking forward to 2012. There's still so much to play for this season.

"If I can just get a bit of luck and stay fit hopefully I can really enjoy the final five months of the season."

Having returned to action as a substitute against Brighton on September 21 following a groin complaint, Gerrard had been looking as though he was nearing peak fitness - as demonstrated by an excellent performance and goal in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in his first start of the campaign.

However, prior to the Reds' trip to West Bromwich Albion a couple of weeks later, the midfielder was diagnosed with an ankle infection and was left facing up to the prospect of eight weeks on the sidelines.

"It was a major blow for me," admits Gerrard. "I had started against United and Norwich and I was just starting to feel really sharp.

"I was back in the groove and feeling good but then I got a freak injury. There was no link whatsoever with the infection I'd had previously in my groin - it was just bad luck.

"I got tackled in training and there was a small wound on my ankle. It wasn't a big gash that needed stitching or anything but it got infected and my ankle really swelled up.

"If I hadn't got it sorted quickly it could have been dangerous. But the treatment I got from the medical staff was absolutely brilliant. Both the medical and coaching staff at the club have managed me superbly.

"I needed to go into hospital to get the infection washed out. After that I was in plaster for a couple of weeks and on crutches for about a month."

He continued: "When the surgeon said I would miss another eight weeks it was really tough to take.

"It took me weeks to get over the news. It absolutely killed me.

"With my groin I could understand it because you expect wear and tear over the years. I could understand that one day that would need fixing. But the ankle injury was just a freak.

"You just have to get over that initial blow as quickly as you can. You have to fight and get on with the rehab.

"The last eight weeks have been really long, especially coming on the back of being out for six months with my groin. It's been tough but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

"I'm really happy with how I handled it. I've worked my socks off to get back and now I'm feeling in great condition. I'm just looking forward to playing games."

Gerrard returns to a Liverpool side who are just three points off a Champions League position and will contest the Carling Cup semi-final with Manchester City next month.

The skipper has been delighted by what he's witnessed from the team while on the sidelines and believes the Reds have much to play for over the course of the next five months.

Gerrard said: "We've been playing some fantastic stuff.

"We're defending really well and creating plenty of chances but we're not getting the rewards we deserve at the moment. We're right on the edge of where we want it.

"We need to keep going and there's no time to feel sorry for ourselves. Hopefully the breaks will start going our way.

"For me, it's just great to be back involved. And the positive thing is that I'm coming back at a time when there are so many massive games coming up.

"It's been frustrating missing so much football but there are tons of big games still to play. The season is just starting to warm up and I'm really excited about playing a part in that. All I can ask for is that I stay fit and healthy."