'No reason we can't finish top four'
After extending his scoring streak to three goals in as many games for Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge insisted he has a more important aim this season – Champions League qualification.
The 23-year-old tapped home in the second half against Norwich for his first strike at Anfield, helping the Reds on their way to a resounding 5-0 victory over the Canaries.
And Sturridge was in confident mood post-match, with a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League firmly in his sights.
"I'm not interested in how many goals I score - I'm interested in where we finish as a team," the striker told Liverpoolfc.com.
"The main aim for me, which drives me on, is to get us into the top four and play Champions League football next season.
"It's what everybody wants.
"That's a realistic target for us and I don't see why we can't get there."
Having made his Liverpool debut during the FA Cup tie at Mansfield a fortnight ago, followed by a substitute appearance at Old Trafford last week, Saturday marked Sturridge's first game in front of his new supporters.
The England international admitted to a touch of nerves - which were quickly dispelled.
He added: "I was a bit nervous at the start, going out there.
"There was a little bit of tension - that eased off after the first 25 minutes, but for the first quarter of the match I felt a little bit nervous. It eased off and I was enjoying myself after that."
Sturridge formed part of a fluid front three against Norwich, combining with Stewart Downing and Luis Suarez to impressive effect.
"We're all on the same wavelength, we all understand positions," the forward explained.
"If Luis goes up front, I'll drop in behind him. There's no position for any of us, we run around and when we defend we get back into shape.
"When we are fluid, it's better as a team because it gives the opposition problems.
"I'm just happy to be a part of a great front four and in great company as well."
In particular, the partnership between Sturridge and Suarez, who reached 20 goals for the campaign with his strike on Saturday, has excited fans and observers alike.
The former is looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the Uruguayan.
Sturridge continued: "We have good chemistry and off the field he's a good guy as well. It's really good to be part of such a great team with him and long may it continue."
His tap-in past the Canaries made Sturridge the first player for almost 40 years to find the target in each of his opening three Liverpool games.
Asked if he could have imagined such a start to his Anfield career, the striker said: "I wouldn't have, to be honest.
"I want to thank God for making this possible - without him, none of this would have happened. I also want to thank the manager for giving me the opportunity to play.
"I've been blessed. It has been a difficult few years for me at my previous club, so to come here and for things to start so well, I'm delighted."