Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is happy skipper Steven Gerrard was left out of England's squad this week.

Dalglish says calling the Reds' skipper up so soon after his return to club action would have been counter-productive for everyone concerned and is delighted Gerrard will be able to continue his comeback under the trusted eye of the Reds' medical team at Melwood.

"I think it's beneficial for everybody that Stevie hasn't been called up by England," said Dalglish. "He's got back to where he is right now because of the people that have been working with him. He's said himself that he has great faith in those people.

"I don't think it would have been helpful for Stevie - or us or England - if he had gone away for the game against Montenegro. I think it's a sensible decision for all concerned.

"These few weeks also give some of the lads who are returning from injury - Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson - more time to get back. Time is a great healer so hopefully the lads will benefit from the break. We'll cross our fingers and hope that nobody comes back from international duty with an injury."