Liverpool 0-2 West Bromwich Albion

West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster included a Steven Gerrard penalty among a string of saves which laid the platform for the Baggies to record their first league win since St Stephen's Day.



The former England international denied the Liverpool captain twice, once from the spot, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Agger, Stewart Downing and Fabio Borini.



And when Gareth McAuley headed home West Brom's first effort on target in the 81st minute it set up their first league double over the Reds - having won 3-0 on the opening day of the season - since 1966-67, with substitute Romelu Lukaku's 90th-minute striking giving the scoreline an unbalanced look.



All the promise of performances in draws against Arsenal and Manchester City was wiped away in 90 torturous minutes as Liverpool suffered their first home defeat since mid-December.



West Brom are not supposed to like Mondays. They had not won any of their previous 18 top-flight away matches on this day, a run stretching back 44 years to March 1969.



However, they appeared more than comfortable in a disappointing first half which saw both teams manage just two shots on target between them.



Both of those were registered by the hosts as the Baggies were not intent on showing much adventure but with Liverpool not clicking into any sort of gear they were not in much danger either.



With Daniel Sturridge's thigh problem not being risked the Reds were shorn of the pacy, incisive running which caused the Premier League champions so many problems in the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.



Replacement Jonjo Shelvey was given his first league appearance since 26 December, playing in the hole as Luis Suarez was restored to the out-and-out striker role but he pair failed to get in the way Sturridge has.



The 20-year-old did put the ball in the net early on but was well offside, which sort of set the tone for the half which was briefly enlivened by Suarez producing a brilliant behind-the-leg cross.



Agger had a header tipped over by Foster, who also caught Stewart Downing's stinging drive at the second attempt.



The closest Liverpool actually came to scoring in the first half was when Steven Reid's attempted left-footed clearance of Shelvey's low cross cannoned off his standing leg and looped over the crossbar from four yards.



A lack of fluidity and crispness was noticeably absent in Liverpool's passing game as the Baggies harried and hassled and tried to stifle as much of their opponents' movement as possible.



Every pass from the hosts seemed half-a-yard too short or long and their control of the ball wasteful.



Improvements were made by Brendan Rodgers for the second half as Downing had a shot blocked and Gerrard's follow-up was crowded out before Henderson's cheeky close-range backheel from Glen Johnson's pass was stopped by Foster.



With an hour gone more work was required and Raheem Sterling and Borini were sent on for the ineffective Shelvey and the tiring Henderson.



Borini was denied by a fully-stretched West Brom goalkeeper after lashing Downing's lay-off goalwards, McAuley slid in to block Suarez's shot and the wrong-footed Foster stuck out a hand to stop Gerrard's drive.



But having dominated proceedings Liverpool were hit with the sucker punch nine minutes from time.



Chris Brunt swung over a right-wing corner and McAuley had a free run in the area to power home a header.



Liverpool went chasing the game and were exposed even later on when Lukaku, having originally been dropped to the bench, stroked home their second.



Having picked up just one point from a possible 18 the victory was vital in halting the Baggies' slide down the table.



It also extended Liverpool's unwanted record of still not having beaten a team in the top half of the Premier League this season as they saw West Brom leapfrog them into eighth.

Martin Kelly eyes end-of-season return

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly has claimed that he intends to return to fitness by the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has been absent for the Reds since September, when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.



"I've been taking my time with this injury and making sure that I'm spot on with all parts of the rehab," Kelly told the official website.



"This is not an injury that you can mess about with, so I've been taking it steadily. We're hitting all the targets and I should be fit before the end of the season."



Kelly recently penned a new long-term deal at Anfield.

Downing in limbo over Liverpool future

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has suggested that he could leave Anfield in the summer transfer window.



The 28-year-old has managed to fight his way back into the team under manager Brendan Rodgers, and while he has stated that he is "happy" under the current regime, he has hinted that he is not guaranteed a place at the Merseyside club.



"I'm happy with how it's going at the minute, but whether that changes in the summer I don't know," Sky Sports News quotes Downing as saying.



Downing moved to Liverpool from Aston Villa in 2011.

Clarke hails Kenny's signings

West Brom head coach Steve Clarke says the players brought to Anfield by former manager Kenny Dalglish are starting to shine, making Liverpool one of the most improved teams in the Premier League.

Clarke was Dalglish's right-hand man during their 18-month spell together on Merseyside.

And Clarke is well aware of the difficult task facing his Baggies' side when he returns to Liverpool on Monday.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it. I made a lot of friends and I've got a lot of good memories from my time there.

"I liked the passion of the people. They are very fair-minded and honest supporters who wanted their team to be entertaining and do well.

"There was some success. There were two cup final appearances. One was victorious and one was a defeat.

"I'm not surprised now at all some of the younger players are starting to flourish, or some of the more experienced ones that Kenny signed.

"For Stewart Downing to be in the team and Jordan Henderson, as well as Jose Enrique, and doing really well, is good.



"Luis Suarez has really settled into the club now and, if you look at it at this stage, Liverpool are probably playing the best football in the Premier League."

Rodgers: 'We should have won'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that his side should have beaten Manchester City following their 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Sunday.

Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard saw the Reds lead at the Etihad Stadium after Edin Dzeko's opener, but an error from Pepe Reina allowed Sergio Aguero to earn a point for the champions.



"It should have been a win for ourselves, I thought we played terrific and were the dominant team," Rodgers told BBC Sport. "We scored two wonderful goals and I am disappointed with the goals we conceded.



"The template of our game is improving, we need to cut out the mistakes and we can challenge at top of the league.



"We have come to the home of the champions and dominated. We know we can be better."



The result means that Liverpool stay in seventh place in the table.

England fans vote for Gerrard

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard has been voted England's Player of the Year for 2012 by fans ahead of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole.

The 32-year-old midfielder received 40% of the votes after becoming his country's sixth player to reach 100 caps in November's meeting with Sweden while starring for England 11 times during the year.



Gerrard is a second time winner and said after being presented with the award by Sir Bobby Charlton on Sunday at St George's Park: "It's always special to be recognised by supporters. You only have to look in the players in the team so it's special. I decided after the summer to stay involved, because of the players in the group.

"It means a lot to me when you look at the quality and standard of players in this squad. For me to be picked out to win an individual award is a bonus and something I'm really delighted with.

"It's always a proud feeling to play for this team and the manager believing in me and giving me the captaincy was a huge lift for my personal confidence. I think I've shown a level of consistency that maybe I haven't shown in previous years so it's been a good year."

Gerrard joins Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in lifting the award twice.

Gerrard, who won the England Player of the Year award in 2007, impressed during the summer's European Championship - setting up Joleon Lescott to head England in front in the opener with France in Donetsk.

Rodgers: "It was a brilliant goal from him to beat Joe Hart from that distance. I thought his performance was immense."

As England skipper he also crossed for Andy Carroll to head home in a 3-2 win over Sweden and had a hand in Rooney's headed goal that beat co-hosts Ukraine.

Left-back Stephanie Houghton was voted England women player of the year.

Houghton was a star performer for Team GB during the Olympic Games and scored the winner against Brazil.

The men's U21 and women's U23 players of the year awards went to Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson and Toni Duggan.

FA chairman David Bernstein said: "Clearly The FA England Awards is about much more than prize-giving and honouring those who have achieved.

"The elite level is the pinnacle of a pyramid that makes English football so

special. They are the inspiration to over two million people regularly playing football in this country. All involved at every level deserve our recognition

and respect."



The evening also saw the Bobby Moore Fund put in the spotlight, with widow Stephanie Moore presenting three of the youth awards.

This month marks the 20th anniversary since World Cup-winning skipper Moore's death from bowel cancer.

Suarez: Liverpool is home

Luis Suarez has reiterated his desire to remain at Liverpool for a 'very long time' and revealed how the city feels like home.

Luis Suarez took less than 5 mins to score his début goal for Liverpool two years ago. 

The 26-year-old celebrates two years as the club's No.7 today.



Since his transfer from Ajax in January 2011 he has scored 43 goals in 84 appearances and he is the Barclays Premier League's second top goalscorer this season with 17.



Suarez - who signed a new contract in the summer - is eager to keep scoring goals in a Liverpool shirt for many years to come.





"I hope [to be at Liverpool] for a very long time because it's a massive club that kids dream about playing for," the 60-times Uruguay international told Liverpoolfc.com.

On-Form Suarez, scored 21 goals in all competition his season 

"I've been very proud to be at a club like Liverpool and to have made the decision to come here. In two years I've lived through some spectacular and very special moments that I will never, ever forget.



"There have been a few difficult times as well, but with the support of my family, the club and the fans, things have gone well for me.



"I do feel at home here. When I'm out and about, all I get is support and encouragement from the local people and that's very important, and when I come here to the club I feel like people have known me all my life. That also helps a great deal to making me feel so at home.



"I hope to be able to help out the team for as long as I possibly can while trying do something to make the club and the fans very happy."



Suarez was born fourth of seven brothers and learned to play football on the streets of Uruguay's third most populous city, Salto, before moving to the capital Montevideo.



At the age of 11 he had to decline an offer to attend a national team training camp because he could not afford football boots, but he would go on to earn international recognition at U20, U23 and senior level.

Suarez celebrate after scoring at Emirates Stadium last night in draw game.

So how did his upbringing of street football prepare him for the Premier League?



"I don't know about that!" said Suarez. "It's a massive difference between street football in Uruguay and football in the Premier League.



"I think maybe I did pick up things playing in the street that maybe I wouldn't have learned playing on a proper pitch. They're different cultures and ways of life.



"It was a way of learning football that I do not regret for a minute. If anything, just the opposite. I'm grateful for all I learned there and I've got to where I am today partly thanks to all that."

Coutinho makes Liverpool move

Liverpool have confirmed midfielder Philippe Coutinho has moved to Anfield from Inter Milan on a long-term contract.



The 20-year-old becomes Liverpool's second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of striker Daniel Sturridge at the start of the month.



Coutinho said: "I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.



"Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil.



"They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football."



Coutinho, who has one cap for Brazil, began his career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010 - and the player also enjoyed a loan spell at Espanyol.



Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said: "We're always delighted when we get the players we go after.



"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.



"I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future."

New shirt logo for Liverpool against West Brom game

Liverpool will sport a new logo on their jerseys for the Anfield clash with West Bromwich Albion next month as they once again give their backing to Standard Chartered's 'Seeing is Believing' initiative.

Just as they did for the final home game of last season, the Reds will replace the logo of Standard Chartered with Seeing is Believing - their main sponsor's global campaign that raises funds to tackle avoidable blindness in developing countries.

Milan president, PL is the right place for Coutinho

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes the deal to take Philippe Coutinho to Liverpool will work out well for everyone.



It emerged earlier this week that the Reds were closing in on a move for the winger after agreeing a fee with the Serie A club.



And it appears Inter are already planning for the future without Coutinho after Moratti confirmed that they would look to use the money from his sale to strengthen the squad.



He told Sky Italia: "The deal for Coutinho to Liverpool is an opportunity both for Inter and both for the player.



"We could be happy with the economic proposal and Coutinho could find the space he hasn't here. And then we'll have the opportunity to reinforce the team".



If the deal is completed, Coutinho would become the club's second signing of this transfer window following the £12million capture of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.

Coutinho came through the youth system at Vasco da Gama before joining Inter at the age of 18.



He spent the second half of last season on loan at Espanyol, where he worked with new Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino.



Pochettino's recent appointment at Saints led to speculation linking Coutinho with the South Coast club but it is understand he has expressed a preference for Anfield.




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Gerrard: 'We need two more big players'

Steven Gerrard has admitted that Liverpool need "two more big players" in the January transfer window.

The Reds captain has said that he approves of the way that manager Brendan Rodgers is trying shape the side, but feels that the club would find more consistent results by a couple more additions to the squad.



"In general, I like the direction the club is going in, but the harsh reality is that we still need two or three big players who can help," Gerrard was quoted as saying in The Mirror.



"We were short before the last deadline and I think we struggled to find consistency because of that. The gap between us and, say, Manchester United is now severe, but I believe that – on our day – we can beat any team in the league.



"When we don't play well, we don't win. We need to find a way to win games when we're not really at our top level."



Liverpool have so far added Daniel Sturridge to their ranks in the transfer window.

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Flanno facing spell on sidelines

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Jon Flanagan is facing up to three months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 20-year-old sustained the problem during Monday's U21s victory over Southampton at the Academy.Flanagan's injury is the Reds' only fresh concern ahead of Saturday's visit of Norwich City.Rodgers told his pre-match press conference at Melwood: "There is nothing new to report. Jose Enrique is making good progress, but the only unfortunate thing is young Jon Flanagan got injured in the reserve game during the week."Even though Jon hasn't featured so much, he's been in some of our Europa League games and played in the FA Cup.



"He's out of the squad now for up to 12 weeks with a knee injury


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Ayre - Liverpool owner fully committed

Liverpool's principal owner John Henry remains completely committed to moving the club forward despite his lack of presence at Anfield this season, according to managing director Ian Ayre.

The American, the lead figure in Fenway Sports Group who bought the Merseysiders in October 2010, has yet to attend a game this season, although business partner and Reds chairman Tom Werner has been present on occasions and will be again for the visit of Norwich on Saturday.

But Ayre insisted the lack of Henry's presence to see his second major sports investment - his other being the Boston Red Sox baseball team - does not mean anything.

"I wouldn't read anything into John not being here," said Ayre. "Two things: firstly he has had lot of work to do on the Boston Red Sox this year, they are approaching their pre-season now.

"Secondly, he also became a father again quite recently so he's likely been busy changing nappies!

"I speak to John very regularly and he's really pleased with the way things are going with the team.

"I know he keeps in contact with Brendan (Rodgers) regularly. I'm sure we will see him here soon.

"John's commitment to Liverpool isn't about him being at games. It's about him being involved and committed and being supportive.



"All that happens on a consistent basis. We get great support from both John and Tom.

"I was over in Boston recently and met with all the different investors in FSG and they are greatly supportive for what we're trying to achieve and are 100% behind us."




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Man Utd v Liverpool - (Team News)

Team news for Sunday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford (1.30pm).

Manchester United :

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool as he continues his recovery from a knee problem.



It means Javier Hernandez is set to partner Robin van Persie in attack for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.



United are boosted by the return of Nani and Anderson from injury with the pair likely to be on the bench.



Nani has been sidelined since the beginning of November with a hamstring injury while Anderson has been missing since he also reported a hamstring problem in early December.



Liverpool :

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has no fresh injury worries to contend with as he must decide whether or not to hand new signing Daniel Sturridge his Premier League debut.



Sturridge scored on his debut in last weekend's FA Cup win over Mansfield, but is still struggling for match fitness after his move from Chelsea.



Jose Enrique remains sidelined for Liverpool with a hamstring strain, meaning Glen Johnson is set to deputise at left-back with Andre Wisdom starting at right-back.


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New Reds deal for Andre Wisdom

Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom has signed a new long-term contract after establishing himself in the first-team squad this season.



The 19-year-old made his debut for Brendan Rodgers' side in the Europa League tie against Young Boys in Switzerland earlier in the season.



Injury to left-back Jose Enrique meant Glen Johnson switched to the opposite flank allowing Wisdom an extended run in the side and he has made 14 appearances this campaign.



"The manager, the owners and everyone have said the key is to build something for the long term and young players are a catalyst to that. None more so than Andre" - Ian Ayre



"It was an easy decision to make - as soon as they offered it to me, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands because it's a great club and I just want to continue to play for Liverpool," Wisdom said.



"I am happy with the progress I've made so far and hopefully I can progress more in the second half of the season and continue to keep playing.



"There's still so much hard work ahead. There is big competition within the team and everyone wants to play football.



"I just hope I can keep progressing and continue in the way I have been."



Wisdom joins fellow former reserves team-mates Raheem Sterling and Suso in extending his stay at the club, with more senior players Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Brad Jones and Jonjo Shelvey all agreeing new deals since the summer.



Managing director Ian Ayre said Wisdom's new contract was indicative of the direction the club was moving.



"It's another great example of a player committing to the club and what we're trying to achieve under Brendan," he told the club’s official website.



"He's a great young player, shown a fantastic improvement, broken into the first team and made a huge contribution and, rightly so, we've provided him with a new contract and a long-term one.



"Getting talent like him, Raheem and others to commit at this point is absolutely essential to the future.



"The manager, the owners and everyone have said the key is to build something for the long term and young players are a catalyst to that. None more so than Andre.



"He's come on leaps and bounds in the last year or so and that's because of all the hard work he's put in and the manager giving him a chance, so it's absolutely essential players like that commit themselves to the club."

Ayre stands by Suarez

Luis Suarez has the full support of Liverpool following the latest controversial incident involving the striker.



Suarez clearly handled the ball as he put Liverpool 2-0 up in the FA Cup third round win at Mansfield on Sunday but the goal was allowed to stand as officials concluded it was a deliberate offence.



Manager Brendan Rodgers jumped to the defence of his player and Ayre insists the club are fully behind the striker, who has come in for some undue criticism this season.



“There have been plenty of decisions which have gone against Luis this season,” Ayre told the Liverpool Echo.



“These things seem to follow Luis around and it’s unfortunate, but he has our full support.



“He’s a fantastic player who makes a huge contribution to the club. Knowing Luis, it won’t affect him as he’s a very strong character.”



Although Mansfield manager Paul Cox declared Suarez had done nothing wrong, chairman John Radford slammed the player for his actions, claiming he was embarrassed by the Uruguay international.



Ayre, however, was surprised by Radford’s comments especially after Cox’s statement.



“I was surprised when I read his comments because Mansfield’s manager and players showed a lot of dignity after the game,” he added. “It’s nonsense to say that I was embarrassed.”

Gerrard: I'll be back to best

Steven Gerrard is confident he will soon return to the form of his former self after a rollercoaster season so far with Liverpool.

The Anfield and England captain has had a mixed campaign after a combination of injuries and tactical reshuffles under club boss Brendan Rodgers have forced him into different roles and seen him score just five goals.

But, going into the second half of 2012/13, 32-year-old Gerrard is feeling good about himself and Liverpool's prospects for the future ahead of facing Manchester United at the weekend.

He told the official Liverpool FC magazine: "I've had mixed experiences this season. I've passed some unbelievable landmarks for club and country, getting to the 600-games mark and winning my 100th cap for England.

"But, with the slow start we made and being where we have in the league, it's been a bit mixed for me.

Gerrard has most assists so far this season  

"There's my form as well. I've played well in some games but I've been disappointed with myself in others and I'm not happy with my goal tally at the moment.

"People's opinions, perceptions and the way they judge you changes when you get a goal.

Top passes in the PL, Steven is in the 4th position.

"I think my performances are getting closer to where I want them to be so if I can add goals to those performances, then maybe people will start saying the old Steven Gerrard is back.

"I don't think the manager has asked me to do anything different in terms of the way he wants to me to perform.

"But because of certain injuries, situations that have happened to the team and formations that we've played, I've naturally played a little bit deeper.

Total crosses in PL, Gerrard has 151.

"I've maybe gone into protection mode rather than playing the old Steven Gerrard way with the shackles off and going for the jugular."

Rodgers wants Carra stay

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers intends to talk with Jamie Carragher over extending his stay at Anfield, insisting the veteran defender still has 'a few years' left in him.



Carragher, who has notched up 719 appearances for Liverpool since making his senior debut back in 1996, is out of contract at the end of the season and has hinted he could hang up his boots.

The 34-year-old has played a bit-part role on Merseyside under Rodgers and Kenny Dalglish before him, with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel preferred in central defence.

But Rodgers is keen to see him stay on after his deal expires and feels he still has plenty to offer.

The manager said: "He and I have had loose discussions in terms of where he is at. We spoke before Christmas and decided we'd have a chat after Christmas.

"We had a busy period coming up but there is no doubt I want him to stay as a player because he still has a lot to offer.

"It is different for defenders as well. The older you get, you are in that firing line at the back and there is no hiding place. He has been a pivotal player, a real iconic player for the club - he is still in great condition, he looks after himself.

"He turns out every single day and I'm sure there are days that are difficult for him as a player when you don't play.



"But he is a wonderful example to any player, absolutely incredible. And he has still got a few years left in him yet, for sure."

Rodgers: Suarez is Liverpool’s Messi

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has placed Luis Suarez in the same class as Barcelona’s Lionel Messi following the Uruguay international's match-winning display against Sunderland.



After setting up Raheem Sterling's opener, the 25-year-old put two goals past the Black Cats on Wednesday night to seal all three points for the Merseyside outfit.



And Rodgers was liberal in his praise for the striker, suggesting that he can maintain his form through playing as many as three games a week, such is his talent.



"Luis was sensational [against Sunderland],” he told the Daily Mirror. “His cleverness in finding space is incredible.



"He's a striker that has to play two or three times a week to be on top of his game - one game a week is no good to him. He needs to be playing.



"And you see the response you get from him. His work has never dropped. Like Messi he is a real team player and trains every day.



“He is never in the treatment room and then he comes out and performs. As the ball moves he finds the spaces. He's a wonderful talent, and it will be fantastic to see him develop here."



QPR boss Harry Redknapp also echoed Rodgers’ comparison to Argentina international Messi after the London outfit’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on December 30.



“I was talking with Harry Redknapp after our game at QPR,” Rodgers explained. “He said Luis is a Messi-type character,”



Adamant that a challenge for Champions League football is still possible, Rodgers has admitted a good run of results could build up enough momentum to propel the club into the prestigious top four come the campaign’s end.



"I believe the second half of the season we can up the tempo and kick on as we have always hoped to do.” he continued. “You could see it in our performance tonight [against Sunderland], we have the capacity to do that. It's about consistency from now, and I hope we can get that.



"We were disappointed with the performance against Stoke, but six goals and two clean sheets is the perfect reaction to that, and it's nine points from 12 over the difficult Christmas period."

Liverpool sign Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge on long-term deal

Daniel Sturridge says he wants to stay at Liverpool for a "long time" after completing his move from Chelsea.



The 23-year-old became the Reds first signing of the January transfer window after penning a long-term contract at Melwood today.



He told Liverpoolfc.com: "I am humbled and happy to be here."



"Brendan Rodgers said he sees me here for a long time - and I also see myself here for a long time. I've not signed here to play for a couple of years and then move on.



"I've signed to be here for as long as possible. It's a humongous club - for me, one of the biggest in the world - and to have the fans and world-class players we have here is amazing."



Liverpool is Sturridge's third club, having begun his career at Manchester City, where he finished top-scorer as City lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2008.



He left the following year to join Chelsea. He had a loan spell at Bolton, before returning to Stamford Bridge, where he has been in and out of the team ever since.



Having scored 21 goals in 34 appearances for England at youth level, Fabio Capello handed him a senior bow in a friendly against Sweden in November 2011.



He has collected three more caps since and last summer scored twice for Great Britain at the Olympic Games.



10 facts about Daniel Sturridge

1. Daniel Sturridge was born in Birmingham in 1989 and before moving to Manchester City's youth set-up in 2003, he spent time at Aston Villa and Coventry.



2. Sturridge comes from a footballing background. He is the nephew of former Derby and Wolves striker Dean Sturridge.



3. In the 2007-08 season, Sturridge became the only player ever to score in the Youth FA Cup, the FA Cup and the Premier League in the same season.



4. He finished the 2009-10 FA Cup campaign as Chelsea's leading scorer with four goals as Carlo Ancelotti's side completed winning the double by beating Portsmouth 1-0 at Wembley.



5. In January 2011 he went out on loan to Bolton and when he netted against Wolves, Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle in succession, he became only the sixth player to score in his first four games for a club in the Premier League.



6. Sturridge can play either as a striker or out wide. In March 2012, he told Sky Sports: "Fitness-wise, it helps you so much playing on the wing as it's a completely different job - you do a lot more runs than you do up front. Thierry Henry played wide for Juventus and then went to Arsenal and played as a centre-forward."



7. In his first appearance of the 2011-12 campaign, Sturridge scored with a memorable back-heel in the 50th minute against Sunderland.



8. Sturridge has represented England at every level from U16 to U21 and full international. He netted in the final of the 2010 European U17 Championship against Italy.



9. The 22-year-old has Premier League, Champions League and two FA Cup winners' medals to his name.



10. Sturridge was named in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad for the Great Britain Olympic football team to compete at the London 2012 Olympics this summer and the forward netted twice for Team GB including the match-winning goal against Uruguay.