DANIEL STURRIDGE IS “feeling good” and believes he is “healthy” enough to lead from the front for Liverpool.
A succession of injury problems have prevented the England international from making the impact expected of him at Anfield.
Despite enjoying a positive start to life on Merseyside, as he worked alongside Luis Suarez, the 28-year-old has struggled to keep himself off the treatment table.
He has been able to make 11 appearances for Liverpool this season, though, and with Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho having been nursing knocks of late, Sturridge is determined to take his chance to shine.
He told the Liverpool Echo ahead of another potential run-out against Maribor in the Champions League on Wednesday: “We’ve been in the Champions League two times since I’ve been at the club.
“Obviously I missed out the first time but hopefully I can be a big part of this European campaign.
“I played in the competition many times for Chelsea and we won it when I was there.
“It’s nothing new to me. You want to be playing at this level. I am ready for when the opportunity comes.
“The manager picks the team. We’ll have to wait and see what he decides.
“From my perspective, I’m feeling good. I want to stay healthy and I want to keep scoring goals for the team.
“It’s my job to go out there, put my best foot forward and show what I can do.”
Sturridge has not found the target in Europe’s elite club competition since November 2010, and not started a Champions League fixture since turning out for Chelsea against Napoli in March 2012.
He was, however, among the goals in his last outing for Liverpool against Huddersfield – his 100th effort at club level – and is looking to find a regular run of games which will allow him to return to his best.
Sturridge added: “For all strikers, it’s important to be playing to get your rhythm to be able to produce your best football.
“You want to help the team win. All strikers have that mentality where they want to show what they can do. I enjoy scoring goals. It’s what I love to do.
“Saturday was a good day for us but we’ve got two more big games to go before the international break and it’s vital we keep it going.
“It’s Maribor and then West Ham – we need six points out of six.
“We have a squad full of talented footballers here. We will push as hard as we possibly can to ensure we reach the targets set by the manager. We all want to bring success to this club.”
A utd thread and the first 5 comments are all ABU….. First season out of the top 4 in almost 20 years and were written off, I suppose when were back in the top 4 we will be accused of “resigning Howard Webb” :-)
I think it’s more the fact that United won last year and this year with the same players they have been shocking! It’s embarrassing to call themselves champions!!
Chin up kev
Every non Man Utd supporter hopes he will be given time.
Arsenal, Chelsea and City have made it interesting? Yes, but does it hurt him that much he can’t even admit Liverpool have been just as impressive? United under Moyes have no chance at winning anything! But I agree, give Moyes time! It’s working wonders for everyone else :)
Damn straight! Give him LOADS of time. Maybe next season they can push for the Europa???
Lets not get ahead of ourselves here. Let them get 6th next season before they even think about Europa. They can dream tho
He did something right though signed Juan Mata
If he fails to beat Olympiacos over the two legs, then it’s time to go. Either look for Jurgen Klopp or someone with true success
Andre Villas Boas is available.
Why would anyone want to go there? Klopp is managing a champions league side and a team that are far better!!
In one way Dave though, Klopp is being pillaged by Bayern Munich. Strategy there seems to be to just buy out the rivals best players!
True, but he has only one team picking off the better players! United have Chelsea, City and even Arsenal getting ahead as the players choices!! And the original statement is still true that United are not as good a team and Klopp would be taking a backward step!!
Two things Dave. 1st off tell me one player Arsenal have signed that United wanted in recent years? Secondly, why would anyone go to Manchester United? If you are seriously asking that question then you know very little about football.
Time to drive them into the ground #lovinit
Love the way Liverpool fans think it’s all lovely and roses in the Liverpool camp, with them doing so well and all, even though the only difference between them and united has been 11 points this season… Hey least united will be in action next Wednesday… I mean is there even a difference between the managers in terms of silverware??? but no, Liverpool to dominate for the next 20 years!!! United to hopefully not be relegated!!!
David Moyes wont last 6 years at Manchester United.
Ok, will settle for 5 :)
I love the way 16 people have red thumbed that comment. If you think United have too much class to sack Moyes you are deluded!
A true united fan clearly. …