Steven Gerrard talks up Daniel Sturridge potential

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that Daniel Sturridge is "very close" to becoming recognised alongside some of the club's great strikers of the past.

The Reds captain highlighted some of the Anfield side's legendary former centre-forwards, and he thinks that the England international is beginning to show that he belongs in that same bracket after netting 36 goals in 51 appearances.

"For me the tradition at Liverpool is to always have top forwards, either sign or produce them, and I can name a long list," Gerrard told Sky Sports News.

"Roger Hunt, [Kevin] Keegan, [John] Toshack, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Luis Suarez, [Fernando] Torres and we're waiting for the next one and I think Daniel Sturridge is very close.

"His goal-scoring record has been very good so far, and I'm sure there's a lot more to come."

Sturridge signed for Liverpool from Chelsea for around £12m back in January 2013.