Sturridge: It felt great to help again
Daniel Sturridge reflected on his goalscoring return to action in Liverpool's 2-0 victory against West Ham United and admitted: "It was a great feeling."
After five months out due to injuries, the striker made his long-awaited comeback as a second-half substitute for Lazar Markovic - and typically, he required only 12 minutes to make his mark.
Collecting a fine pass from Philippe Coutinho - the Brazilian's second assist of the game - Sturridge took a touch to set himself, then drove a powerful strike beyond Adrian from an angle before wheeling away in celebration.
"It was a great feeling to help my teammates get three points," the 25-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com in the tunnel afterwards. "That's the most important thing - to just be out there and helping the team win games.
"It was great play by Coutinho. We have a great relationship - he knows my runs and I know the types of passes he likes to play as well. He makes my job easier.
"Once I saw him cut inside, I knew the ball would come and it was just a case of getting it under control and hitting the target."
Sturridge's goal added to Raheem Sterling's 51st-minute opener, which was also crafted by the artistry of Coutinho.
Since Brendan Rodgers opted to switch to a 3-4-3 formation in mid-December, Sterling has been utilised as a makeshift frontman to excellent effect.
Sturridge admits he's been watching his teammate make the transition to striker with an immense sense of pride.
He said: "He's done extremely well. He's working hard and I'm proud of him as his 'older brother' to look at him and see how well he's done.
"I just hope he continues to work hard and play in the way he has because he's improving every single day. He takes it in his stride - he doesn't get too big headed, he doesn't get overly confident with anything.
"I take him under my arm when he goes through difficult times as well, but I give him all the credit in the world and I'm really proud of him."
While it was guile and skill that ultimately won the day for Liverpool, they were required to demonstrate the other side of their qualities.
West Ham arrived at Anfield in a confident mood and made life uncomfortable for the Reds during an intriguing opening 45 minutes.
"They made it difficult for us at times, but as the game went on we showed our qualities and took our chances," said Sturridge. "We missed a few as well, but we're improving in each game and long may it continue.
"We're showing that we've got that character and we're up for the fight. We've outplayed some quality teams and been unfortunate not to get the results we've deserved. Today we showed another side to our game and that we can fight.
"We got a clean sheet and it was a great performance from Simon [Mignolet] in goal, being commanding on the crosses, because it's very difficult. They're very good at set plays, so it was great for Si to show that leadership.
"It was a fantastic all round performance with a clean sheet and two good goals."
Next up for Liverpool is the FA Cup fourth round replay with Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium on Wednesday evening.
It's a venue well known to Sturridge, who spent time on loan with the Trotters back in 2011.
However, he insists there'll be no room for sentiment come kick-off as he aims to help the Reds move into round five of the competition.
"I've got a lot of love for Bolton for what they've done for me and my career," said the No.15. "They'll always be in my heart, but I'll be going out there looking to score goals and help my team win games.
"We're looking forward to it, we're ready to go. It's going to be a big game on Wednesday and we want to advance in the cup."