Mark Lawrenson: 'Throw Daniel Sturridge straight in'

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has called for Daniel Sturridge to be thrust immediately back into action against Crystal Palace after the international break.

Sturridge has not played since August after suffering successive thigh and calf injuries, but is due to return to the squad when the Reds travel to the Eagles on November 23.

Writing in his column in the Liverpool Echo, former Liverpool defender Lawrenson said: "Don't rush Daniel Sturridge back into action? That's just total rubbish.

"If I was Brendan Rodgers, I'd be chucking him in straight away against Crystal Palace next Sunday. If Sturridge was going to fall over, he'd have done so in training like he did while making his first comeback.

"And the sooner he is back playing, then the sooner he is match fit and the sooner he is scoring goals and firing on all cylinders. Liverpool FC need Sturridge."

Sturridge's last appearance for Liverpool was in their 3-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur back on August 31.