Steven Gerrard is in no doubt Liverpool will start scaling the Barclays Premier League following the return of their 'main man' - Fernando Torres.

El Nino played the final 25 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina after a month on the sidelines with a groin injury.

Gerrard believes the Spanish star's return will give the entire team a lift heading into a crucial festive calendar.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "If we get back to our full-strength team, and we get people fit, we're confident we are good enough to finish in the top four.

"Torres's return is massive for me, massive for everyone. He's the main man, he's our top scorer and we need him back firing. If that happens I'm sure we'll move back up the league and get in them top four places.

"Without a doubt that has to be the main aim this season. It's obviously important for the club, and having played in the Champions League for such a long time, it's very important.

"We'll be right up for the Arsenal game on Sunday. If we can get three points there and then take that into the Wigan game, we can turn a corner."

Despite the main focus being on the top four, Gerrard insists Liverpool will take the Europa League seriously.

The likes of Juventus and Benfica could lie in wait, while the Reds could also meet neighbours Everton at some stage - a prospect Gerrard would relish.

He said: "We'll take it very seriously. We've got to try to win a trophy this year. The FA Cup and the Europa League are our two best chances of that.

"There are some good teams in there. I don't think we're seeded because we lost this game, so I'm sure we'll come up against a big side.

"It would be very nice if we were to come up against Everton! We'll have to see what the draw gives us."

Meanwhile, Gerrard was full of praise for Alberto Aquilani after his full debut on Wednesday - and even dared to compare the Italy international to Xabi Alonso.

"I said in my programme notes that this game was all about giving minutes to certain players and getting the injured players back. It was nice for Aquilani to get out there and get his first start," said the skipper.

"He can dictate the tempo of a game. He's a clever player, a good passer. I don't want to tempt fate but he's very similar to Xabi."

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