'I'm sure he'll have a discussion with Kenny (Dalglish) and between them they can decide what the right thing is for me.

'In my opinion there are other players out there who are match fit who are probably more suitable for that game, but we'll have to wait and see. If I'm called up, I'll deal with it.'

Losing to Montenegro next week could see England drop to second place in their group and land them in a two-legged play-off with a team from another group.

He is likely to start Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on the bench and the 31-year-old is worried rushing back into the fray could set his recovery back.

He said: 'I totally understand that. With experience I have come to learn about my own body and I haven't been out for two or three weeks with a hamstring or a calf injury. I've had a reconstruction of my groin and it is going to take time.

'To be fair to Kenny and the medical staff, they have handled me perfectly so far and I'm sure they'll do the same in the coming weeks.

'It's important that I don't force it, they don't force it and we don't push it too hard, but I am at the stage now where the only way I'm going to get my match sharpness, match fitness and get back to the form I want to play at is if I get game time.

'But I also understand it's got to be at the right time as well.'

Meanwhile, Gerrard has urged Liverpool to 'play without fear' when they travel to Everton.

« Previous123Next »