Dirk Kuyt says Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard was beaming after his comeback in victory at Carling Cup opponents Brighton.

Kuyt was also pleased to welcome Gerrard back into the squad and claimed it was great to see him smiling once again.

"I think it's the biggest boost for us," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"The reaction of the crowd said it all. Everyone has waited a long time for him to come back and it's great to see him back.

"We've trained with him for two weeks and he was ready to get his first minutes. Hopefully he'll get ready soon for a full game now.

"I don't think we'll be waiting too long for him to do that though. He must be desperate to start."