KLOPP HEAPS PRAISE ON STURRIDGE

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has heaped the praise on forward Daniel Sturridge after his brilliant recent form for the Reds.

Klopp was speaking after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with title rivals Chelsea on Saturday evening, with Sturridge playing a key part in Liverpool's draw.

Sturridge came on as a late substitute and thumped home from distance with an unstoppable strike.

The England forward's last four seasons or so has been difficult, with various different injuries, but his recent form has shown glimpses of the Sturridge we saw in the 2013/14 season.

Klopp has heaped the praise on his striker and claims he is in the "best shape" since he's managed him.

"He is in the best shape since I've known him, since we've worked together," Sturridge told Mirror Sport.

"Before that, he was in fantastic shape. He was always a bit unlucky with injuries and stuff like that. That's how it is, timing in life is pretty important."

Sturridge has been used as a back-up to Liverpool's #9 Roberto Firmino, who has been excellent since Klopp's appointment, and this will be the first real time that Klopp has had a headache over his striker selection.

"Now, the timing is perfect," Klopp insisted. "We need him desperately and he is fit. He is so fit - the fittest Daniel I have known. So, all good."