Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident he will be fully fit for the start of pre-season after his campaign was prematurely ended by an injury to his left shoulder.

The England midfielder will miss the final two matches of the season as he requires an operation to rectify a problem which has troubled him for a while.

It has not, however, prevented him from starting all 36 Premier League matches so far – in fact he has missed only 17 minutes of the league season after being forced off against Newcastle with some shoulder discomfort.

And while he is disappointed to be missing the last two games he is already focused on what lies ahead.

“It’s disappointing but to be honest, playing every league game is not a very important personal achievement – what is more important is that I am fit and available for the team,” he said.

“Between the medical staff and myself we’ve decided the best decision is to get it done now so I am ready for pre-season training in summer.

“I’m very disappointed to miss the last two Premier League games, but it’s a stage now where it’s probably better if another player plays because he’ll be able to offer more because the shoulder is quite sore.”

Gerrard has played with the problem for more than three months.

“I first got the injury against Oldham in the FA Cup when I came on as a sub and I’ve since aggravated it on numerous occasions,” he added.

“The medical team and staff have been brilliant. I’ve felt my form has been good this season.

“I think I got off to a slow start after the European Championship last year but got stronger as the season went on.

“I’ve enjoyed the season, although it is disappointing to leave it empty-handed.”