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FABIO BORINI is determined to play a starring role for Liverpool FC after putting his injury nightmare behind him.

The Italian striker enjoyed a dream return to action when he came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal for the Reds in Saturday’s 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle United.

Borini had been out for 10 weeks after dislocating his shoulder, having already sat out three months earlier in the campaign due to a broken foot.

It’s been a frustrating first season at Anfield for the £10.5million signing but he’s ready to make up for lost time.

“There was a lot of emotion after scoring that goal,” he said.

“It had been a long injury for me and a long wait to score in the Premier League.

“It came so soon after my first touch and it made it even better that I scored in front of our fans.

“I thanked them with my celebration because they have always been good to me and helped me through some tough times.

“I put my thumbs up to the bench to say thank you to Brendan (Rodgers) and all the staff for the work they have done with me.

“It’s been hard. When I hurt my shoulder, they said my season could be cover. But I fought back as I really needed to come back earlier.

“I took the minimum possible to get back training which was eight weeks instead of 12. Some people probably didn’t think I could make it but I fought back.”

Borini’s return is timely with top scorer Luis Suarez having just started his 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

The 22-year-old now has his sights set on playing in his first Merseyside derby when Everton visit Anfield next Sunday.

“We have always been together as a group and I think the performance against Newcastle showed that,” Borini said.

“I can play a big part now not because Luis is suspended but because I am back fit. Whether Luis is available or not, we all need to focus on doing our jobs.

“Next weekend will be my first derby here. But I’ve played in big derbies in Italy (Roma v Lazio) so I know the feeling.

“The atmosphere in those games was always very hot and I am sure here will be the same.”

Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson both struck twice with Daniel Agger and Borini also on target at St James’ Park.

However, it was Philippe Coutinho who walked away with the man of the match champagne after the Brazilian midfielder produced a stunning performance.

“Coutinho is such a great player,” Borini added.

“He’s very clever and you can see he has played in Italy.

“He may be young but tactically he knows the game very well.

“You can see his intelligence when he’s on the ball and he’s exactly what we need.”