Gerrard on the bench for Reds

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned from a two-month absence with an ankle infection to take his place on the substitutes’ bench for the visit of Blackburn to Anfield.

Manager Kenny Dalglish made just one change from Wednesday’s goalless draw at Wigan, with striker Andy Carroll given his first start in four matches as he replaced Dirk Kuyt.

Blackburn put out a patched-up defence, with 17-year-old Adam Henley making his first-team debut at left-back and Mark Bunn replacing goalkeeper Paul Robinson who had a calf injury.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Maxi, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Suarez, Carroll.

Subs: Doni, Gerrard, Kuyt, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly, Bellamy.

Blackburn: Bunn, Lowe, Samba, Hanley, Pedersen, Henley, Dunn, Nzonzi, Hoilett, Formica, Yakubu.

Subs: Kean, Petrovic, Rochina, Blackman, Goodwillie, Vukcevic, Morris.

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)