Kenny Dalglish refuses to blame Stuart Pearce for Steven Gerrard injury

Steven Gerrard: Allowed to roam from a starting position behind Welbeck, he played some raking passes, not always successfully but was forced off after little more than half an hour. 6 (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish refused to criticise England's caretaker manager Stuart Pearce after Steven Gerrard was injured against Holland last night.

The Reds captain came off in the first half of the 3-2 friendly defeat to the Dutch.

Gerrard had played 120 minutes in the Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff on Sunday and was back at Wembley a little over 72 hours later.

He was named in England's starting line-up but lasted just 32 minutes before coming off complaining of a hamstring problem.

Liverpool have yet to assess the extent of the problem, as the players are not due back at the club's Melwood training ground until later this afternoon.

"Until we know exactly what has happened it is difficult for us to presume anything.

"I have fantastic respect for 'Pearcey' - he played for us (under Dalglish at Newcastle).

"He is a really straight, honest guy so I don't think he would do anything harmful to the football club".

While Dalglish remains optimistic over Gerrard the Scot is facing the prospect of Daniel Agger missing matches in what is a busy month.

The Denmark centre-back withdrew from international duty after cracking a rib against Cardiff on Sunday and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

"He's got a fractured rib, so maybe it will be a few weeks," added Dalglish.

PA