Rodgers: No worries over Sturridge

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed any doubts over the attitude of Daniel Sturridge as the striker prepares to make his Anfield debut.

The 23-year-old is at his third big club in less than four years after leaving Manchester City in 2009 to play only 96 matches, almost half as substitute, for Chelsea.

Rumours persisted about Sturridge’s personality and suitability for the Premier League — indeed Rodgers was interested in signing him in August but reportedly wanted to take him on loan first.

But his £12m move to Merseyside could not have got off to a better start with goals in his first two appearances, one in the FA Cup victory at Mansfield and the other in the defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

He has certainly made an impact early, scoring seven minutes into the cup tie and 12 minutes after coming on at half-time at Old Trafford.

And Rodgers was keen to defend his new signing against the whispering campaign which has accompanied his short career so far.

“It has been very unfair, I have to say,” said the Reds boss.

“I remember being at Chelsea and I’d heard all these things about Nicolas Anelka being an awkward player and I found him one of the nicest guys I ever met in football.

“Sometimes when you are quiet and you focus on yourself, you can be criticised for being awkward, but I don’t think that is the case with Daniel at all.

“I was aware of him beforehand and I think any frustrations and disappointments he’s had were purely down to the basis he wasn’t playing or getting an opportunity.

“I can understand that. He went (to Chelsea) as a 20-year-old and it was always going to be difficult for him to play.

“But he has mixed well here and is very hungry to learn. It is going to take time for him to feel at ease and comfortable.

“This will be his first time playing at Anfield and that is a real special feeling.”

Much has been made of how Sturridge will fit into a formation which has had Luis Suarez as its spearhead and has brought the Uruguay international 19 goals this season.

But the pair linked well, along with Fabio Borini when he came on last weekend, in a fluid forward line.

And Rodgers has no doubts of Sturridge’s ability to continue banging in the goals or his success in partnering Suarez.

“Top players can play with each other and I’m really confident Daniel will flourish in his time here,” he added.

“That relationship will take a bit of time to be totally co-ordinated but I’ve seen in training, with them working together and with other players, the balance is right.

“Daniel came in here and the spotlight was on him because everyone knew we needed someone up there to help Luis and get goals.

“With his pace and power you have a real feeling he can get a goal.”

Norwich, having been on the end of back-to-back Suarez hat-tricks in successive league games, are today’s visitors as Liverpool look to continue their improving home form. And after defeat at United, the manager is keen for them to return to winning ways.

Canaries boss Chris Hughton is determined not to become yet another notch on the goal-scoring barrel of Suarez, however.

Hughton said: “Suarez has proved this season what a good player he is. Whatever problems he has had he has managed to put them behind him and be right up there in the goal-scoring charts.

“He is somebody who plays consistently. He is a very tough individual. All I see is an excellent player.”

Hughton believes Norwich’s 5-2 defeat against Liverpool in September was his team’s poorest performance of the season.

“It was the performance I was most unhappy with,” said Hughton.

“Against Liverpool it was a good day for Suarez but as good as his finishes were, I felt we made the day too comfortable for him.

“There are no mental scars, but we are up against a very good offensive team that have just spent good money to bring in a quality centre forward (Daniel Sturridge) to add to what they have already got.

“On their day they have been as good as anyone in the division.”

Hughton has made moves for Celtic striker Gary Hooper and Swansea hitman Danny Graham. Hughton, however, remains coy about how much business he might do.

“It is our duty if we’re able to improve the squad, but I have no real interest in anybody leaving.”