BR: How Luis return will benefit Dan

Throughout the Uruguayan's absence, Sturridge operated in a central role - and has already raced to six goals in seven games so far this season.

Rodgers was quizzed by reporters at Melwood as to whether the two will complement each other's styles now that Suarez is available for selection again.

The manager's response was unequivocal as he explained: "I think [Suarez's return] will only improve Daniel.

"It will only make him a better player. Good players want to play with other good players and I think you'll see how they perform together. They can be a real threat.

"It's not something Daniel or anyone else should be worried about. I think the focus is on the team and for the team to do well.

"We've been able to work in game situations in training [with Sturridge and Suarez] and there have been a lot of relationships formed in training. I thought the fluency in the game against Manchester United was good.

"I think that will get better over time and once they play in the games. Luis is a great credit to himself that he's continued to work hard on his fitness.

"He will get better with his football fitness and his match fitness. But you could see with him and Sturridge and the other players that they linked up very well.

"It's my job to manage the dynamics and the structure of the team.

"We looked at a different system the other night which will suit the players we have available and I think after a few days' preparation and a performance like the one at Old Trafford, we showed that we can work in that way."

While the boss was keen to accentuate the talents of his forward line, he also reserved special praise for defender Martin Skrtel, who has returned to the side in recent weeks.

Rodgers revealed he even took time out to chat to the Slovakian at Melwood regarding his progress.

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"I thought he was brilliant at Old Trafford," said Rodgers. "I called him into my office the other morning just to recognise that his performance was excellent.

"He defended well, he was clever in his defending and he was very composed and assured on the ball.

"It's a great credit to his professionalism that when he wasn't in the team he continued to work and he was fighting every day to show that he could play in the team. It's always going to be the case that when you get the opportunity, you've got to grab the shirt.

"And Martin has come in and done that and he's played very well. He's a real strong competitor and for how we work now, we want to play with a balance between being aggressive and reading the game.

"I think he has shown he's a terrific player - that was never in doubt. But there were other players here and we needed other characteristics in the team. But he's come into the side and since the Manchester United game has done very well. Hopefully that will continue."

Up next for the Reds is a trip to the Stadium of Light, where they will take on Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

After two defeats and a draw in their last three games in all competitions, Rodgers insists his players are determined to put things right against a Black Cats side who, only last week, lost their manager Paolo Di Canio.

"We had a tough game there last year and we played very well in the second half," said Rodgers.

"Like every game at this level, it's going to be a tough game. But for us and our route to keep climbing and going forward, it's a game that we're determined to go and win.

"It was unfortunate that Paolo lost his job. They then had a victory during the week and Kevin Ball [the caretaker manager] will go into the game at the weekend looking for the players to put on a performance again.

"We know the capabilities of Sunderland and I'm sure they will come out fighting to get a result.

"I think the performance against Southampton wasn't so good, to be honest. I was bitterly disappointed, as were the players. We'd made such a good start, so we weren't as proactive in the game as what we normally were and it was just all-round disappointing.

"Against Manchester United, we were proactive in the game and aggressive in our attack. Our passing was crisp and the speed of our game was good. In the league, we're on the same points as Manchester City and Chelsea and we are very determined to start up a good run at the weekend.

"We've made a good start but time will tell. The consistency of the group has been good over the last seven or eight months. There have been very few blips in that period in terms of the league and now I expect us to rebound back and go again."

The Reds are still to score in the second half of a game in the Barclays Premier League this season - and the topic was brought to the fore by reporters during today's press conference.

Rodgers responded: "It's well documented that in this early part of the season we haven't scored a goal in the second half of a match.

"But it doesn't concern me. It's something that we will work on. I thought that as the game went on against Manchester United, we were going to get that goal needed to go on and win the game. It wasn't to be, but I can't say I'm overly concerned.

"We're striving to improve all facets of our game. We've had players who have come back that were gaining fitness and we had a number of players in the team who had been out for periods of time. But overall the condition of the team is very good."