Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge eyes Champions League return

Daniel Sturridge admits it has been “too long” since Liverpool competed in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old striker had scored nine goals in 12 Premier League games this season before picking up an injury in a 3-3 draw with Everton in November.

We had a good start and we want to build on that

Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool are currently in fourth place following a promising start to the season, and Sturridge is desperate to help the Reds seal a return to Europe’s premier club competition.

“It would be great to secure a return to the Champions League. It’s four seasons since Liverpool were last in it and that’s too long,” Sturridge told Liverpool’s website.

“It’s unique with so many new managers trying to impose different ideas on their teams. There have been some shock results and it’s a very interesting league right now.

“We had a good start and we want to build on that. Some say a lack of European football could help us and maybe that does give us a slight advantage in terms of freshness.

“I think it could benefit us in the long run and, God willing, we’ll be up there in May.

“On a personal level, I want to keep working hard and look to improve. I’m not going to set myself any crazy targets.

“If I can keep developing my game and get a place at the World Cup, I’ll be delighted. That would be an amazing achievement.

“When you consider where I’ve come from since last January, it’d be brilliant to be on that plane to Brazil.”