An assault charge against Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been dropped, a court heard today.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez expects FA Cup rivals Preston to play at “150%” when he sends Steven Gerrard back into action tonight at Deepdale in a third-round tie.

England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard was today charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an alleged nightclub brawl, Merseyside police said.