Steve Finnan has virtually ruled himself out of a comeback in Liverpool’s crunch Barclaycard Premiership clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Irish full-back has not figured since early March and missed nine games with a shoulder injury.
But he has been back in training for a week and now considers himself fit for action, but does not expect to play against United.
Finnan said: “I am ready to play again. I have been training and it has gone okay, but I cannot see myself making the team for Saturday.
“If there had been a reserve game this midweek then things might have been different.
“As it is I have not had a chance to prove my match fitness, so I would be surprised if I was given the nod to start against United, especially as it is such a massive game.
“At best I hope to make the bench.”