Daniel Sturridge plays down Demba Ba threat

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has played down the threat of Demba Ba as the Reds host Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday.

The England international said that he was respectful of Ba's goalscoring record in the Premier League during his time with West Ham United, Newcastle United and Chelsea, but admits that the team aren't focusing on the Senegal striker too much.

Sturridge told reporters: "He's got a good goalscoring record in England from his history here. He's obviously a player who can score goals.

"But we're not trying to pay too much attention to individuals. We're going out there to do our jobs, play the Liverpool way, enjoy the game and that's the most important thing to us."

Sturridge, who returned from a five-month absence last month, has scored three goals in all competitions this term.