Steven Gerrard has sent a touching message to Jon Flanagan as the Liverpool defender nears a long-awaited return to first-team action.

The full-back has been on the sidelines since the final match of the 2013-14 season, but is on course to be back in the Reds squad for tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay against Exeter City.

Manager Jürgen Klopp confirmed the positive news on Flanagan’s recovery during his pre-match press conference, prompting the special words below from Anfield legend Gerrard.