Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has claimed that he wants to be an influential figure in the remainder of the club's Champions League campaign.
The England international has been ravaged by injury problems over the last few seasons, which has resulted in lengthy spells on the treatment table.
Sturridge has dropped down the pecking order under manager Jurgen Klopp, but the forward has already made 11 appearances in all competitions this season and hopes to be in the lineup for Wednesday's European encounter against Maribor.
"We've been in the Champions League two times since I've been at the club," the Liverpool Echo quotes the 28-year-old as saying. "Obviously I missed out the first time but hopefully I can be a big part of this European campaign.
"I played in the competition many times for Chelsea and we won it when I was there. It's nothing new to me. You want to be playing at this level. I am ready for when the opportunity comes. The manager picks the team. We'll have to wait and see what he decides.
"From my perspective, I'm feeling good. I want to stay healthy and I want to keep scoring goals for the team. It's my job to go out there, put my best foot forward and show what I can do."
With Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho suffering injuries, Sturridge has been given an opening to grab a place in the first team.
The striker started and scored for the Reds at the weekend in a 3-0 triumph over Huddersfield Town.
Danielle Joynson
