STEVEN GERRARD: I'M READY IF ENGLAND NEED ME

STEVEN GERRARD will answer England's call if manager Fabio Capello selects the Liverpool skipper for the vital European Championship qualifier against Montenegro on Friday night.
Capello was on Merseyside to watch Gerrard take another step towards full fitness following six months out in the aftermath of a groin operation.Although the player admits that he is short of match fitness his love for the Three Lions will see him make the trip to the Balkans if Capello gives him the nod in the squad announced tonight.Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has already called for common sense from England, believing that the Montenegro game has come too soon for the inspirational midfielder.But Capello believes he should make the final decision on the 31-year-old when it comes to England duty.He is planning to talk to Gerrard, stating: “He can tell me if he is not fit or if he can play. It is really important that the player tells me.“We have some problems in midfield. For this reason we need to be careful. Some players can stay on the bench, or come on at half-time, not all the game.“I want to speak with Steve. If he decides ‘yes, I can’, he will be with us. If he says he can’t, he will stay at home.”Gerrard, who played another 23 minutes as a substitute in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Liverpool, will never turn his back on his country.If Capello gives him the go-ahead, he will report for international duty.