England are warned not to rush back fit-again Gerrard

The midfielder, who Dalglish described as the club’s talisman, made a welcome return to action in Wednesday night’s 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Brighton.

Gerrard, 31, had been sidelined for more than six months after an operation on a groin problem in March ended his season prematurely.

He came off the bench as a 75th-minute substitute at the Amex Stadium but Dalglish said that does not mean it was now full steam ahead for the Reds captain.

England have a Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro on October 7 but Dalglish wants Gerrard to get his match sharpness up at a comfortable speed and not for him to be over-worked too early.

“I don’t pick England’s team. Whatever they have to do, they have to do,” said the Scot when asked whether it would be a risk for Capello to name the midfielder in his squad.

“I just hope they are as intelligent as what we have been.”

Dalglish has always stressed Gerrard’s recovery and rehabilitation would not be rushed – despite the player’s obvious desire to make a comeback.

And that approach will not change just because Gerrard has now had his first taste of action since March 6.

“We won’t be any more careful, professional or intelligent than we have been,” he added.

“He’s done fantastic coming back and it’s fantastic for the whole club that he is back but the most important person in all of it is Steven himself.

“He’s missed an awful lot of football through injury so he’s done brilliant to get where he is.

“He’s the captain and the talisman of the football club and he’s just played around 20 minutes for us.

“He’s on his way back and we’re absolutely delighted for him.”

Gerrard has admitted his time on the sidelines was a “nightmare”.

“It was good to be back with the lads,” he said after his brief appearance against Brighton.

“I’d been out a long time and it was fantastic to be out there in that kit again and it was nice to get a win as well. It’s been a nightmare for me.”