Liverpool defender Daniel Agger moved a step closer to a first-team return this week following a successful comeback from injury in the reserves.

The 24-year-old Denmark international, who has not figured in the current campaign after requiring back surgery early in pre-season, played 68 minutes of Tuesday's reserve game with Manchester City.

Agger said: "It is good to be back and it felt good to be back on the pitch again.

"It is always frustrating when you are out injured and can't play football, so to get back out there again was great.

"I knew in pre-season that my back wasn't right so I had to get the problem sorted. I set myself the target to be back around this time and so I'm happy."

Speaking to liverpoolfc.tv he added: "I will keep working hard and do everything I can to help the team and get back in the side as soon as possible."