Tuesday 23 February 2016 17:48, UK
Liverpool defender Steven Caulker says there are 'many more exciting things to come' from Daniel Sturridge ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final.
The striker returned to the starting line-up for the first time since December to score in Liverpool's 6-0 win over Aston Villa two weeks ago.
And in the build-up to Sunday's Wembley clash against Manchester City, Caulker is hoping his teammate can now put his injury troubles behind him.
"He's looking sharp and strong. He's always been a hard worker, I've known him from previous England camps and he's always got his head down and working hard, which is no different to how he is now.
"He's been battling away, and hopefully it's time for a bit of luck on his side and he can stay injury free."
Caulker also told Sky Sports News HQ that he believes Sturridge will be crucial for the side in their season run-in.
"He's one of our best players, and he's proved that since he came straight back in with a goal against Aston Villa. I'm sure there's many more exciting things to come from him until the end of the season."
While Sturridge can look forward to the prospect of a cup win on Sunday, one player that can't is Caulker himself, having played for Southampton in a 6-1 defeat to his current employers in December.
"It's a different (build-up), but nonetheless there's still great excitement around the city and I'm sure there will be in the changing room in the build-up to the game," Caulker added.
"So it's great to be part of it and to see those scenes in the semi-final at Anfield was quite breath taking.
"I'm well aware of how good this team can be, I felt the full force of them that day and if the boys can put a performance on like that at the weekend, they have a great chance of winning."
