Liverpool: Steven Gerrard 'ready' to start FA Cup semi but Reds must wait on Daniel Sturridge

Steven Gerrard is ready to start Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final showdown against Aston Villa and manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping the club can draw from the captain's past Wembley exploits.

Gerrard, 34, has served his three-match suspension after being shown a straight red card against Manchester United in March and is available for selection.

And, speaking to the press in his pre-match press conference on 17 April, Rodgers has indicated he will have hesitation in restoring his captain in his starting line-up.

"He's definitely ready," Rodgers said. "We had a game here on Monday that he played in. He is a special footballer. Steven has produced big moments in big games. The most important thing is having him back. He knows Wembley well."

Rodgers was less certain on Sturridge's chances, though, but insisted the player will be given "every possibility" to feature against Tim Sherwood's side.

The Liverpool boss recently said he does not expect the striker to be fully fit until next season and has remained a doubt throughout the week after missing the 2-0 win over Newcastle United on 13 April.

But the England international is likely to undergo late fitness tests ahead of kick off to determine whether he will have a role to play.

However, Liverpool will have Martin Skrtel back. Like Gerrard, the centre-half has missed the club's last three games after he was charged by the FA for stamping on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea in the 2-1 defeat at Anfield on 22 March.

Rodgers said: "Skrtel has been outstanding. It is great to have him back. The first six months under me were difficult but he is a great player."