Brendan Rodgers challenges Daniel Sturridge to become "world class"

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has challenged Daniel Sturridge to become a "world-class striker".

The former Chelsea man has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season, and has netted 23 times since arriving from Stamford Bridge last year.

"My opinion on Daniel has only been reinforced through the time that I have worked with him. Overall I think he's got a wonderful opportunity over the next couple of years of being world class," Rodgers told reporters.

"He has every tool, he has every quality to be a world-class striker, similar to what Luis Suarez is. If we get him onto the field on a regular basis, if he gets a bit of luck and stays clear of injury, then he can be [world class] for sure.

"This period out with injury has refreshed him mentally. He comes back in the second part of the season now in a real good moment. I think it really signified how hard he worked in his injury period when he came into the game [against Stoke City] at the weekend."

Sturridge made a goal-scoring return from injury as the Reds beat Stoke 5-3 last Sunday.