STEVEN GERRARD has allayed fears of another injury blow – as Anfield legend Alan Hansen expressed his confidence Liverpool remain a major lure for leading players.

Gerrard caused concern when he hobbled off clutching his knee at the end of England’s 2-1 friendly win over Japan on Sunday.

The Liverpool skipper had already sounded alarm bells by twice withdrawing from training last week because of a minor calf problem.

Following a campaign hampered by niggling injury worries, it was an untimely issue for Gerrard ahead of the start of the World Cup in South Africa next week.

But Gerrard said: “It’s okay, it’ll be all right. It won’t be a problem.”

Gerrard and Glen Johnson are expected to be joined by Jamie Carragher in the final 23-man England squad for South Africa, which will be announced today.

Gerrard has already put all discussions over his future on hold until after the World Cup, although Liverpool are bracing themselves for an anticipated bid from Real Madrid after Jose Mourinho was confirmed coach at the Bernabeu yesterday.