Steven Gerrard believes he is some weeks away from full fitness.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez admitted earlier this week Gerrard was not at his best after missing a chunk of pre-season with a groin injury.

The England international concedes he is not firing on all cylinders as he is behind in his fitness.

Problems

"I've had problems with my groin throughout pre-season, and things have not gone the way I wanted them to," said Gerrard.

"I have missed a lot of training and I am a couple of weeks behind the other lads when it comes to match fitness.

"The only way I am going to get that edge again is to get out on the pitch and play.

"I am not at my best at the moment, but I hope the fans will be patient because I am only three weeks away from my best form and fitness."

Praise

Meanwhile, Gerrard has backed Liverpool's battling qualities after they staged a dramatic late comeback to overcome Middlesbrough 2-1 at Anfield.

Gerrard grabbed the winner deep into injury-time and the midfield dynamo knows they must win their home games if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.

"You could tell how much our winner meant to the fans, the roof came off when my goal went in," he continued.

"Everyone knows that these are the games we have to win if we are going to mount a serious title challenge. Too many home points were squandered last season."