Daniel Sturridge sparkled throughout a 24-minute cameo in Liverpools 5-3 victory over Stoke City on Sunday and left the Britannia Stadium pitch brimming with positivity. The 24-year-old made a return to competitive action yesterday following around seven weeks on the sidelines with an unfortunate ankle injury suffered in training back in November. He needed a mere five minutes to sumptuously create the Reds fourth goal of the encounter for Luis Suarez, before contributing the final say of an action-packed clash with a strike of his own. The No.15 was delighted with the performance and result over the Potters and revealed why his comeback felt especially pleasing after the difficulty of having to watch from the stands. He told Liverpoolfc post-match: Im delighted with the result for the boys. Its important that we work hard as a team. Its a difficult place to come and play, and we showed a lot of character, so were very happy with the result. Being out of the fold has been very hard for me mentally, watching the boys. But its also good that weve been getting results and working very hard as a team. Its about the boys at the end of the day. Its very hard when youre on the side, watching a team, and you want to be involved in the fun and be out there. Im just happy that were up there within touching distance and were in the top four. Its great to be a part of it. Sturridge gelled in partnership with Suarez to outstanding effect earlier in the campaign and the pair continued their thriving relationship within moments of being reunited at Stoke. Writers and pundits alike are struggling to coin fresh superlatives for the No.7 - his teammate opted for special - but the England international insisted such displays must be maintained by all. Its very special for me, hes a world-class player, Sturridge said of the Barclays Premier League top scorer, who racked up his 21st and 22nd conversions of 2013-14 at the Britannia. Weve got other world-class players out there and its important that as a team and a unit we keep working hard, take each game as it comes and try to get maximum points in every game we play. Before the encounter with Mark Hughes team, Reds captain Steven Gerrard had suggested that this season may possibly be his best chance to finally hoist aloft the Premier League trophy. The midfielder controlled proceedings at the weekend from a different, deeper role - prompting Sturridge to explain the sheer level of importance the No.8 holds within the dressing room. He added: It gives us a lot of confidence; hes a leader, the one who calls the shots in the camp along with the gaffer. We listen to everything he says and hes an inspiration to every player. Were delighted to have him out there.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:30:35 +0000
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