Gerrard Excited By New Boys

Steven Gerrard is confident the club has made some excellent signings this summer.

Writing in the Official Matchday Programme ahead of our Valencia friendly on Saturday, Gerrard is glad of the added competition for places and is hoping to see even more new faces walk through the Anfield door.

"I believe we've made some very good signings this summer, with Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Doni all coming in," he said.

"Hopefully there will be one or two more arriving before the transfer window closes.

"You always want competition for places because it's a long season. Obviously it gives the manager more options and it also pushes the players on because they know not everyone can start every game."

The skipper also reckons that Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez will be like new signings for the club, despite the pair arriving in January.

"It also still feels like Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez are new signings, even though they've been with us since January," said the 31-year-old, who will be back from a groin injury in September.

"They both did well in the second half of last season. That experience should help them to perform even better in 2011-12."