Sturridge insists he can form potent partnership with Balotelli

Fit-again Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is confident he can forge a successful partnership with Mario Balotelli.

Ironically it was the England international’s substitution which allowed Balotelli to come off the bench and grab the winner — his first Premier League goal for the club — against Tottenham.

However, in the reverse fixture on August 31, Sturridge’s last start prior to Tuesday’s outing at Anfield, the pair played together and looked like they could become a useful strike pairing.

Sturridge’s five-month lay-off with a thigh injury did not help his team-mate, whose form plummeted so badly he could not get in the squad for three matches ahead of Spurs’ visit.

But now both are fit, Balotelli has finally broken his league drought and Sturridge believes they can become a deadly duo.

“Course we can. I would say I can play with any player not just Mario,” he said. “Whatever team the manager chooses I will do my best to ensure whoever I am playing with I can have a partnership with.

“We click any way when we play so for me I try to adapt to the player I am playing with and try to bring out the best in him.”

Sturridge is keen to make up for lost time and admits he was frustrated when he was taken off after 74 minutes but accepts it was in his best interests.

“It comes with the territory of them (the backroom staff) just trying to do their job and protect me and I can’targue with that, I have to take into account whatever they say,” he added.

“But it is frustrating because every minute counts and I have missed a lot of them so I want to be able to play as many as I can now.”

Balotelli chose not to celebrate his goal and declined interviews after the match but took to social media to have his say.

“Great game guys!!! This smile is ONLY for those that always Belive and support me. Thank you. Forza Liverpool. But now head down and keep working hard,” was the message posted on Instagram alongside a picture of a beaming Balotelli.