Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has admitted that he was delighted to make his return to the side after a period on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old had been out of action since May after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty with England.

Sturridge revealed that he wasn't sure if he would make the start of the season, but said that he is feeling sharp and ready to start the season opener against Stoke City, if selected.

"I'm delighted to be back," Sturridge told LFC TV.

"It's been a long road - a bumpy one at that - but I'm delighted to be back out there and I'm thankful to God for healing my injury so quickly because I wasn't sure I'd be back for the start of the season.

"I'm fit and good to go. If I'm selected against Stoke then I'll be ready. I didn't think I'd be as sharp as I was, to be honest, so I'm happy."

Sturridge hit 10 goals in 14 appearances for Liverpool last season.