Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has suggested that striker Daniel Sturridge will replace Luis Suarez while the Uruguayan is serving a 10-match ban.

The former Chelsea hitman has drifted in and out of the first team due to some niggling injuries, but Rodgers is confident that the 23-year-old can fill the role of Suarez, who has not appealed against his suspension.

"He's only been here a short time but in the times he has trained and then gone out and played he's shown he is one of the top strikers in the country," Sky Sports News quotes Rodgers as saying.

"We're hoping we can maintain that training mentality. When he takes that into the games, he's a real threat for us. He's fitted into the football club really well.

"He missed a bit of training last week but if we can keep him fit and keep him out on the training field, he's got the potential to be a top European striker. That's hopefully something he can fulfil here at the club."

Sturridge has netted six goals in 12 appearances since moving to Anfield in January.