STEVEN GERRARD has backed midfielder Jordan Rossiter to recover from his latest injury setback after he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury.

The former Liverpool kid clinched a loan deal to Fleetwood in the summer as he returned south of the border in search for regular action..

Rossiter had become a feature of the Fleetwood side under the guidance of former Ibrox team-mates Joey Barton and Clint Hill.

But his 19th appearance of the season will prove to be his last after he sustained a serious knee injury in the closing stages of the home win over Tranmere last weekend.

Highbury boss Barton has confirmed that Rossiter will be out of action for a ‘prolonged period’ as the 22-year-old, who has seen his career beset by a series of problems in recent times, faces up to another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

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And Gerrard has sympathy for the youngster who was tipped for a bright future when he made his Anfield breakthrough.

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing for the kid because he got himself back playing regularly and he showed that he can be a robust player. He was in good form and enjoying his football and it was great to see. It’s a huge blow for him and it’s bad luck.

“But knowing the kid he is mentally strong and he will bounce back. I’m sure he will get the support he needs.

“I think he has decided to stay down in Fleetwood. We opened it up to him to come here and receive treatment but Fleetwood is closer to his home and family so it makes sense for him to get treatment there.

“But all our medical staff are available to him for whatever he needs over the course of the injury and we wish him a speedy recovery.”