The Anfield captain reflected positively after making his first start since undergoing successful shoulder surgery in May against an Indonesian XI on Saturday

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard declared he felt “fantastic” during his return to action in the side’s 2-0 victory over an Indonesia XI.

It was his first appearance since a shoulder injury ruled him out of the final two games of last season, and he completed the first half without any problems before being replaced by Joe Allen.

The 33-year-old, who recently signed a new two-year contract, says he is feeling no after effects from the injury and now has his sights set on further playing time.

“It’s nice to play football again in front of our all our supporters,” Gerrard told LFC TV.

“My shoulder felt fantastic, so it was nice to get the first 45 minutes under my belt and hopefully I’ll get slightly more time in Australia.

“It’s been feeling fine now for a few weeks in training, there have been absolutely no problems. The surgeon gave me the go-ahead to play tonight and the manager was sensible in giving me 45 minutes. I’m really happy with how I feel.”

Gerrard was also full of praise for Liverpool’s four new signings, Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Iago Aspas, and Luis Alberto, all of whom started the match.

“I thought that all the new lads did well tonight,” Gerrard continued.

“I thought [Mignolet] was fantastic with his feet and he did everything well.

“Toure looked assured at the back and was very vocal. People are talking about missing Jamie [Carragher] and Jamie’s voice, but I thought Kolo led from the back tonight.

“The two Spanish lads, as I said earlier in the week, are wonderful technicians on the ball. Aspas works his socks off for the team and you can see Alberto’s quality. That’s what we bought him for – to play against sides where it’s difficult and you need someone to unlock the door.

“They’re the magicians who are going to unlock the defence. I’m really pleased with all the newcomers tonight.”

The Reds boss was happy with his players’ effort during his side’s 2-0 pre-season win and also suggested that it will be a “great challenge” to finish in the top four this season

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits he was “satisfied” with his side’s performance during the Reds’ 2-0 win over an Indonesia XI on Saturday.

Wingers Phillipe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling scored either side of half-time to secure a comfortable victory for Rodgers’ side.

And the 40-year-old revealed that, above all, he was particularly happy his side managed to avoid any injuries.

“Overall I’m satisfied with our performance,” Rodgers told reporters.

“Our objective was to develop our fitness and it was important that nobody was injured.

“We want to be prepared to win Premier League games and I couldn’t ask for more from the players at this early stage of the season.”

Rodgers continued by stating his intention to stay with Liverpool for many years – but that he is focused on achieving a top four finish for now.

“When I came here as a manager, I hoped to be here for many years,” Rodgers revealed.

“Obviously we want to win the title and get into the Champions League. It’s a step by step process and the Premier League is a great challenge, to get in the top four places.”

Meanwhile, captain Steven Gerrard, who started for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in May, reflected his manager’s comments regarding the club’s aim this season, while also paying tribute to the club’s global fanbase.

“With the support from the fans around the world, it will be fantastic to win trophies. I also want Liverpool back in the Champions League.”

The 33-year-old recently signed a new two-year contract at Anfield to see him past his 35th birthday at the club.

The 40-year-old is confident there will be new arrivals at Anfield, though he does admit a lack of Champions League football does not help the club attract the best players

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is confident the club’s supporters will be excited by further signings ahead of the new season.

Rodgers has worked hard to bolster his squad in the close-season, signing Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Spanish forwards Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas, and Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure.

But the Anfield boss, who is gunning for his side’s first top-five Premier League finish in four years, has revealed that plenty of work is being done on additional transfers behind the scenes.

“Nothing is close but plenty of work is going on,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

“How near or far we are, I will find out in Melbourne. There is daily dialogue going on but I am confident that we will get the one or two players who will really excite and complete the jigsaw.

“It was great to make the four signings so early on but we have still got some more work to do to strengthen the team.”

Rodgers also spoke of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who Liverpool missed out on as the Armenian midfielder instead elected to join German giants Borussia Dortmund.

“If you are not in the Champions League, that naturally makes it tougher,” he said.

“We all have the same objective. We all want to be there. If you are a manager or player, you want to be at that level.

“That is always the case when you are going for good players. But I’m sure good players still want to come to this club.”

Liverpool are in Indonesia to start their pre-season tour, which will also include matches in Australia and Thailand.