Daniel Sturridge's injury hell is a blessing in disguise for Liverpool
DANIEL STURRIDGE believes he has emerged psychologically stronger from his injury torment as he looks to unleash a new reign on terror on Liverpool's rivals.
The striker said the five months he has spent on the sidelines had "opened his eyes" to how he needs to live his life in order to make the most of his career.
Sturridge will be involved against West Ham tomorrow in a timely boost to Liverpool's top four hopes, which manager Brendan Rodgers claimed have been undermined by the forward's absence with thigh and calf injuries.
Liverpool sent Sturridge to Los Angeles and Boston for part of his rehabilitation over Christmas and the England international is confident the time he has had out has improved the mental side of his make-up which has come under scrutiny in the past
"I'm feeling great, looking forward to getting back into action and helping my teammates," said Sturridge.
"It's been a great time for me, in fact, for the mental side of the game and I am grateful to God for all I have been through.
"Everything happens for a reason and it doesn't put me down at all - I am still the same me, and I am happy and raring to go.
Sturridge in top class condition - Rodgers [AMBIENT]
"You have successful moments, but you don't realise that you have to enjoy it. I am very hard on myself a lot of the time, so even if I have played well I am still looking at the bad points.
"It gives you time to assess things and time to assess what you need to do to get to where you want to be in life.
"I am desperate for success and these moments are ones that open your eyes to what you need to do in life and what you need to do for your career.
I'm feeling great, looking forward to getting back into action and helping my teammates
Daniel Sturridge
"I am grateful for what I have been through even though a lot of people look at it and say 'he's been unlucky'.
"Everyone goes through certain situations. I am just desperate for success right now and I can't wait to get back out there on the pitch."
Sturridge plundered 24 goals in tandem with Luis Suarez last season, but will now shoulder the burden of propelling Liverpool back into contention for a Champions League place.
And he revealed he was getting up in the early hours while in America in order to swat up on Rodgers' new 3-4-3 formation in order to repay his team-mates and the club's supporters.
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"I watched every single match when I was in the States - I was getting up early doors in the morning, so sometimes it'd be 4am depending on where I was and what time the game was," said Sturridge.
"I'd get up early and it was important for me to see how we played, the formations and the style of the new players.
"Usually when you're involved you're in a bubble and you don't see what is going on, so it's been great for me to see everything.
"I committed my future to the club when I signed a contract in October, so I have got a few years here to try and repay them.
"This season and the period I've been out will be a distant memory and I am looking forward to hopefully an injury-free end to the season then going into next season, as well as having some success whether it's this season or next. That'd be perfect for me."
