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Stevie G returns to Liverpool fold for the first time since March after injury woe

By JOE RIDGE FOR MAILONLINE
Updated: 19:39 EST, 21 September 2011

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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned to a match-day squad on Wednesday night for the first time since March after recovering from a groin injury.

He came on after 75 minutes, replacing Luis Suarez, to join Lucas and Jay Spearing in the centre of midfield. Shortly after his introduction, Gerrard hoofed clear from a Brighton set-piece to put Craig Bellamy away.

The Welshman then linked up with Maxi Rodriguez to leave Dirk Kuyt with a simple finish to put Liverpool 2-0 up.

Three minutes later, Gerrard made a typical driving run from midfield and followed it with a neat backheel, but it came to nothing.