STEVEN GERRARD has been backed to lead Liverpool for years to come as the skipper prepares for his much-anticipated first start in more than seven months tomorrow.

Gerrard is expected to regain the captain’s armband for the blockbusting showdown against bitter North West rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

It would be the 31-year-old’s first start since last season’s corresponding fixture in March, having subsequently been sidelined by a groin operation.

The prolonged absence has led to questions over how long the talismanic midfielder can continue performing at his accustomed high level.

But Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is convinced Gerrard is fitter than ever, and says form and not age will determine how long the England international remains a first-team regular.

“Steven has been fantastic for the football club and everybody would want him to go on for as long as he could because he has always been a fabulous asset for this club,” said Dalglish. “Long may it continue.

“I haven’t a crystal ball, I don’t know how long he has left, how long it will be, maybe once he gets back into the swing of things he will have a better idea himself.

“Whatever he wants to do we will go along with and, for me, both him and Carra are fantastic examples. Both of them are two people who everybody else can look up to.”

Dalglish added: “Anyway, Steven’s not in a Zimmer! When he plays, you’ll still see him charging forward. He did that against Wolves the other week when he came on.

“Steven Gerrard isn’t going to change. He’s probably fitter now than he was before.