Jamie Carragher: 'Daniel Sturridge can lead Liverpool to Champions League'

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has tipped Daniel Sturridge to fire the club to a place in the Champions League next season.

The Reds striker scored twice as they put local neighbours Everton to the sword with a 4-0 win on Tuesday evening.

Sturridge has scored 16 goals in 18 appearances this season, and Carragher backs the England international to lead the Reds to the top-four finish in the Premier League.

The former centre-back told the Daily Mail: "Wayne Rooney has been hailed for his excellent form this season and has scored nine goals in 18 Premier League games but Daniel's figures are even better, with 13 goals in 15 league appearances.

"His consistency in the penalty area has been faultless. If he continues in this vein, Liverpool will have an outstanding chance of finishing in the top four.

"And if he carries it into the summer, England's hopes at the World Cup will be significantly improved too."

Carragher retired last season after 737 appearances for Liverpool.