Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits he is glad to see the back of 2011 because he believes 2012 could be a big year for Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard ended a troubled 12 months by scoring his second goal of the season as Dalglish’s side came from behind to defeat Newcastle 3-1 at Anfield on Friday.
The 31-year-old Liverpool captain was making only his sixth league appearance of an injury-hit campaign.
Having undergone surgery on a damaged ankle towards the end of last season, Gerrard has missed most of the present campaign due to an ankle infection.
“It’s great to see him get the reward because he has worked really hard to get where he is,” said Dalglish after Gerrard climbed off the substitutes bench to score his side’s third goal.
“It was a freak injury that got him in trouble in the first place so the boy deserves a wee bit of luck. Maybe 2012 will bring him that.
“He is getting his way back to fitness. It’s fantastic reward for him and everybody who has helped him to get back to the level he is at the moment.
“He will continue to work on his fitness. He has always been a huge asset to the club and he’s got a lot of years to go. We’ll look forward to those years.”
Gerrard described 2011 as a terrible 12 months for him but is hoping his injury problems are well and truly behind him after an inspirational cameo performance against Newcastle.
“To get on the score sheet and to get the three points was a perfect return,” said Gerrard. “I have had a terrible year with the injuries but I want to look forward.
“Of late we haven’t got what we deserved, so it was really pleasing to get the three points and three goals after criticism we haven’t scored enough.
“Andy Carroll did everything but score, but it’s not down to him alone it’s all of us, we must give him the service.”
Liverpool’s victory lifted them up to sixth in the Premier League table, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
Former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy scored twice as Dalglish’s side came from behind to secure the points after Daniel Agger’s own goal had given the visitors the lead.
Dalglish believes his side would be better placed going into the second half of the campaign had they enjoyed more luck.
“To get 2011 out of the way is good for us because I don’t think we’ve had too much luck in the matches we’ve played in the first part of the season,” added Dalglish.
“We fully deserved the victory. We showed great courage, commitment and desire to get back into the game after going behind.”