Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Steven Gerrard will be ready for their FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa.

The Reds will return to Wembley for the first time in three years at the weekend.

"He's definitely ready," Rodgers told reporters gathered for his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "We played a behind-closed-doors game here on Monday, which he and a few of the other players that have been out played in.

"Steven's fine. The most important thing is his availability. He's a special footballer, Steven, and Wembley is somewhere he knows very well. So whether he plays or doesn't play, he'll be a very important member of the squad for us on the day.

"He's a special player. He still is. He's been, throughout his time here, an incredible player who has, in the main, in the big games, produced big goals and big moments.

"He always produces a great contribution to the team. So the most important thing was having him back. But he knows Wembley very well and he's someone who has got that special quality."