England international Steven Gerrard feels that his versatility has started to affect his game negatively.

The Liverpool captain prefers playing in the central midfield role but has often been moved around by coaches to play on the left or right side of the field.

Gerrard told the Sunday Times: "I've paid the price for being able to do a decent job in other positions.

"Other players don't get shunted around because they can't do it. I can't go and play on the right or the left and become Kaka or Robinho, I just go out there, give 100 percent and do a steady job.

"I'll work hard, do my bit defensively and help the team. That's why managers do it to me, but it is affecting me.

"My game suffers when my position is changed. I'm a central midfielder and in the big games I want to play in the middle and show that I'm one of the very best in that position."

Gerrard underwent groin surgery recently which means he will miss England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday, but Reds coach Rafael Benitez hopes his star midfielder is fit for Liverpool's Manchester United clash next week.

The 28-year-old believes the United game is too soon for him to return.

"I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille (September 16)," he continued.

"I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back. I don't want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys."