Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has offered Steven Gerrard his full backing after the team captain was charged with assault, occasioning actual bodily harm and affray earlier this week.

Gerrard has been released on bail following his arrest in connection with a fight at a Southport bar in the early hours of Monday morning.

Liverpool offered their full support to their skipper on Tuesday and Benitez has also reassured the 28-year-old of his backing throughout the investigation.

"Steven is our captain and a key player for us, but more than this, I know him as a nice person," Benitez told the club's official website.

"I sat down with him this morning (Wednesday) and had a very good talk with him about the situation and I was also able to speak at length with our club lawyer."

Gerrard was arrested with five other men - two of whom face the same charges as the footballer - near the Lounge Inn bar and nightclub in the seaside resort.

"Steven explained to me what had happened and I told him he has my full support and backing, along with everyone else at the football club," Benitez added.

Benitez also confirmed that Gerrard took part in training on Wednesday.

"He's trained with the other lads this morning after a couple of days off for the squad and is keen now to focus solely on his football," Benitez said.

"We've worked very hard to get into the position we're in going through to the New Year and all of us are determined to keep that progress going.

"We'll do whatever we can to support Steven in the weeks ahead, but we're now concentrating on our preparation for the FA Cup game at Preston this weekend."

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Gerrard will not be affected by the scrutiny, saying: "Liverpool will support him and the Liverpool fans will support him tremendously well. He's a really strong character and I'm sure it won't affect his performance."

A Liverpool statement, released on Tuesday, read: "Steven has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time."

Gerrard has been capped by England 70 times and has captained his country four times. He was made an MBE in 2007 and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.