Liverpool do not have another game until next Tuesday’s third qualifying round first leg away to AK Graz in Austria and their skipper is desperate to play.

Newcastle lost at the same stage last season and missed out on reaching the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.

But Gerrard was determined to dispel fears when he said: “I came off as a precaution, and I am sure I will be fit for the game in Austria.”

Gerrard will have treatment on the injury at the club’s Melwood training complex and manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping the successful trip Stateside does not have a bitter ending.

Gerrard added: “I just felt my muscle was a little tight, but I do not think that it will be a problem.”

Liverpool will have a better idea of Gerrard’s fitness in 24 hours and Benitez said: “Steven has a little problem but I am hopeful it isn’t too serious. The club doctor will have a look at him when we get back to Liverpool.”

The Spanish coach was pleased with the victory in the Giants Stadium, secured by goals from Djibril Cisse and Michael Owen.

Liverpool had previously beaten Celtic and lost to a late Porto goal on their US trip, and Benitez said: “For me the most positive things from the tour was that we have trained well and played well in the matches.

“Our passing and movement has been good and I’m happy with the players.

“I thought in the first half we did a lot of good things and in the second it was more difficult, but Roma are a very good side. The most important thing in pre-season is to play the matches and try different things but it is always good to win.

“Michael only had one chance in the match and he put it away.”

Benitez was also pleased new signing Josemi did well on his Liverpool debut when he came on as a second-half substitute.

Benitez said: “Josemi played well and is aggressive. He is a good defender and for his first game I thought he did well.

“We have enjoyed this tour and we have tried to get the players in the best physical condition for the season.”

The feeling of confidence around the squad was emphasised by striker Milan Baros, who told www.liverpoolfctv.co.uk: “It was a good win and one that will do our confidence good going into next weeks Champions League qualifier. Hopefully we can continue to show this type of form in Europe.”

Liverpool have also confirmed the loan move of Anthony Le Tallec to St Etienne has been completed.

The move was not sealed until this morning, despite the French club announcing the move yesterday.

The French side have been told they do not have an option to buy the youngster at the end of the one-season move and Liverpool expect him to return to Anfield next summer to continue his career in the Premiership.