Liverpool skipper Gerrard: We’re ready to get off to a flyer

Gerrard said: “I knew we’d bought good players in the summer, but after working with them for the past fortnight I’m even more confident they will be great acquisitions.

“The Far East trip was really good for us. The games were high in humidity and good for getting the fitness levels up, so we are ready for the new season.

“More importantly it was very good for bonding. We need the new lads to settle in quickly, and they now have got a feel for us and we have for them.”