Sturridge has right credentials

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS has insisted Chelsea do not need to play Daniel Sturridge at centre-forward to help them arrest their alarming slump.

The Chelsea boss explained his plans to Sturridge after taking charge during the summer but that has not prevented the 22-year-old repeatedly declaring his desire to occupy a more central role, most recently after making his England debut in last month’s friendly win over Sweden.

Yet, Villas-Boas said ahead of today’s game at Newcastle: “There is no purpose in using Daniel up front.