Steven Gerrard ready for FA Cup semi Finals

Liverpool captain Gerrard has missed his side's last three matches through suspension, having been sent off for stamping on Ander Herrera during a 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to Manchester United on March 22.

He is available for Sunday's FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa at Wembley, but Rodgers must decide how to use a player who has not started a game for more than two months.

The midfielder has played just twice since suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham on Feb. 10.

He came on to play the final 27 minutes of a 1-0 win at Swansea on Mar. 16, but lasted just 38 seconds as a half-time substitute before being sent off against United six days later.

Gerrard will end his 17-year Anfield first-team career at the end of the season when he moves to MLS side LA Galaxy.

He is hoping to sign off by winning the FA Cup, with the final taking place at Wembley on May 30, his 35th birthday.

The club organised a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday to help the former England captain build up match fitness ahead of the weekend.

And Rodgers said: "Steven is definitely ready. We had a game here on Monday that he played in.

"He's a special footballer. He has always produced big goals and big moments. The most important thing is having him back for Sunday.

"He knows Wembley well. He's got special quality."

Liverpool could yet finish the season with both the FA Cup and a place in next season's Champions League.

The Reds are fifth in the Premier League, four points shy of the top-four spot they need to qualify for Europe's top club competition.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet insists that both targets are achievable, though, adding that he doesn't one to prioritise one over the other, because it would be like choosing his favourite parent.

Mignolet said: "The next game is the FA Cup semifinal, and so the focus is on that.

"But you don't really choose between your mum and dad. We still have two things to play for -- and we will try to do that from now until the end of the season.

"We want to do both. Let's hope we can do both."