Former Reds captain Steven Gerrard says he is thrilled to see Jon Flanagan on the brink of a return from injury.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that Flanagan could play a part against Exeter City in their FA Cup third-round replay at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The right-back has been sidelined with a knee injury since the end of the 2013/14 season before the 22-year-old required further surgery on the problem at the start of the season.

Gerrard, who left Anfield last summer to join MLS outfit LA Galaxy, praised Flanagan for his hard work over a frustrating 18-month period on the sidelines.

Gerrard wrote on his Instagram page: “So happy to see this fella close to returning to fitness . . He has put so much graft in to get himself back fit . I’m sure anfield will erupt when he runs back onto the pitch after a 18 month lay off …good luck mate great to see you back and we have missed you 👍#cafu”

Flanagan, who was part of the Reds’s League Cup-winning squad in 2012, scored one goal in 25 Premier League appearances during the 2013/14 season.