DANIEL STURRIDGE has pleaded with Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers for the chance to be unleashed alongside Luis Suarez on Old Trafford this weekend.
And the 23-year-old admits he will never be able to repay the Liverpool manager for giving him another chance to prove himself at a big club.
Sturridge scored the fastest goal by a full Liverpool debutant in almost 80 years when he netted just seven minutes into the 2-1 FA Cup third round win at Conference side Mansfield Town on Sunday.
The tiring striker, making his first senior appearance since November 17, was substituted after 55 minutes for Suarez, who went on to controversially score what ultimately turned out to be the winner.
But Sturridge is desperate to strike up his forward partnership with the Uruguayan when Liverpool take on bitter North West rivals Manchester United this Sunday.
“It’s down to the manager which team he picks,” said the England international. “I’m just here to train hard and whichever team he picks will be the one that is right tactically.
“I was quite tired against Mansfield as I haven’t been playing or training much over the last few months.
“But you are always fit enough to start a game against Manchester United. I’d love to play, but that’s down to the manager. If he chooses me then great, if not I’ll be looking to come on and make an impact.”
Sturridge added: “Luis is a good player. He shows you that every time he gets the ball. I was watching him from the bench on Sunday, and you can see his quality. He likes to drive at and really get at defenders.
“It’s going to be a pleasure for me to play with him. I’m looking forward to us forming a formidable partnership against the teams we’ve got coming up soon.”
