KENNY DALGLISH hailed the return of Steven Gerrard as “like a new signing” after Liverpool FC sidestepped another Carling Cup banana skin.

Gerrard emerged from the bench in the 75th minute to help Dalglish’s men to a 2-1 victory at npower Championship high-flyers Brighton and Hove Albion in last night’s third-round clash.

It was the skipper’s first appearance since March having last month suffered a setback in his return from a niggling groin problem.

And a delighted Dalglish believes Liverpool will be stronger for the return of the man he regards as their talisman.

“It was fantastic for everyone connected to the club to see Steven back, but we’re more pleased for Steven than anything else,” said the Anfield manager.

“It makes our squad an awful lot stronger. Getting Steven back will be a like a new signing for us. To get your talisman back on the right road to fitness is selfishly great for us, but is fantastic for Steven as well.

“He’s had a few disappointments along the way to coming back, so just to get 20 minutes will have given him a lift.

“He has suffered a lot and made a lot of sacrifices to get where he is, so it is a credit to him and everyone involved with the medical department at this football club.

“We’ll manage the situation as diligently as we have done so far. We need to be careful and we won’t be carried away.