Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing feels the return of Steven Gerrard can help them in the second-half of the season.

Spearing believes the return to fitness of Gerrard can inspire the team in the Carling Cup semi-final and help the Reds achieve success in 2012.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "We have Steven Gerrard back now and he is a massive influence on the team and we will go into the two games with confidence.

"Before we can think about that though we have to get ready for our next game which is the FA Cup against Oldham.

"It's another important game for us and we want to get back to winning ways in front of our own fans."