Daniel Sturridge eager to make Europa League bow

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has revealed his eagerness to be involved in the Europa League when the Reds host Besiktas on Thursday.

The England international missed the entire Champions League campaign as the Reds dropped into Europe's secondary competition after finishing third behind Basel and Real Madrid back in December.

Sturridge returned to action from a five-month layoff last month, and he said that he is looking forward to the game against the Turkish side.

He told reporters: "I know Besiktas are a good side from what I have watched in videos. They're not a team that I see every week. So I'd be lying if I said I knew everything about them.

"But I know it's going to be a good game for us. It won't be easy and I'll look forward to this game as I'm sure my teammates will. Everybody in the stadium knows it will be a great game to watch.

"I've got no worries. No stresses at all. I'm enjoying my football, I'm enjoying playing and I can't wait to continue playing in each game and, if selected, I'll do my best for the team."

Sturridge has scored three goals in all competitions this term.