Liverpool boss says Daniel Sturridge can become a top striker after two goals in two games

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes Daniel Sturridge can flourish into one of England's best forwards.

Sturridge, a recent signing from Chelsea, has scored two goals in two outings for the Reds, including one in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

The Three Lions forward came on at half-time at OId Trafford and gave Liverpool an added attacking thrust that was lacking in the first period.

He netted from a rebound after Steven Gerrard's shot was parried by David de Gea, but was not enough to earn a point for Rodgers' side.

"I just think this is a boy who can be a real top striker in this country and I think he will be scoring many goals for Liverpool," said the Anfield chief.

"You have seen from a half appearance yesterday and 55 last weekend [when he scored on his debut against Mansfield in The FA Cup] that this boy is a goalscorer and what he needed was an opportunity.

"He got one goal (against United) and was unlucky with a couple of opportunities. He is going to be a terrific signing for us."

Prior to The FA Cup outing at Mansfield, the 23-year-old England striker hadn't played for Chelsea since mid-November, so Rodgers his keen not to rush him into regular action.

Sturridge, who became the first player to score in the Premier League, The FA Cup and The FA Youth Cup in the same season when with Manchester City in 2007-08, has now scored four goals in 16 games in all competitions this campaign - including two appearances for England.

"I have been assessing him in training and he is coming back," added Rodgers.

"If I thought he could have lasted the game I would have put him in. Sometimes you can rush them back too quickly and break them and I didn't want to do that.

"He is certainly getting there with his work-rate every day. It is just a case of building him into it.

"I felt at the start we needed to make sure we stayed solid and tight while still creating chances. Once the game opened up a bit Daniel could come on and affect the game with his pace and power.

"I thought he was terrific in the second half."