http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/10/14/alberto-aquilani-takes-step-towards-liverpool-debut-liverpool-fc-latest-100252-24924088/ALBERTO AQUILANI has taken a huge step towards making his Liverpool debut now he has started kicking a ball again for the first time in six months.
Rafa Benitez reported last week that his ÂŁ20m midfielder was making good progress but erred on the side of caution as to when Aquilani might be seen in a Red shirt.
However, the Italian was given the green light to start doing some ball work again late last week and has continued to work on passing and shooting in the last couple of days.
There is a growing sense of anticipation amongst supporters about Aquilani, who was drafted in to fill the void left by Xabi Alonsoâs move to Real Madrid.
But there is no chance of him launching his career in the cut and thrust of a potentially pivotal clash against Manchester United on Sunday week.
Benitez will be looking to ease Aquilani in gradually as the 25-year-old has not played a competitive game since Arsenal beat his old club Roma in the Champions League in March.
The reserves have a game against Sunderland at home next Wednesday but it could be that Benitez waits a further seven days before pushing him into the frame.
That would open up the prospect of Aquilani getting his first taste of English football in the Carling Cup fourth round clash at Arsenal on October 28.
It has been a difficult few months for Aquilani, who knows that it is going to take time for him to get adjusted to the hustle and bustle of Premier League life, but he is determined to make his mark.
âWhen I am back, I will hopefully show that I am a player who can pass the ball well, get forward and score goals,â said the man who will wear the number four shirt.
âI havenât played football for a long time, so I know it wonât be easy to produce my best straight away â but I will be trying to do that.
âWhen you are not involved with the team, it is not a good feeling. But it is my ambition to score at the Kop end. I have thought about that a lot during my rehab period.â
Aquilani will be joined in the treatment room at Melwood today by skipper Steven Gerrard, who withdrew from Englandâs squad yesterday due to the adductor problem he sustained in Ukraine.
Gerrard was hoping to figure in the final Group 6 match against Belarus this evening but felt a twinge during training at London Colney and was released by Fabio Capello.
He will undergo a scan today but the Anfield medical staff are hopeful that he will be available for the Redsâ crucial trip to Sunderland on Saturday.
Some good quotes there from the player showing his hunger to get on the pitch and show us what he's all about.
Hopefully we'll get to see him at Sunderland, even if its just for a ten minute cameo
