LIVERPOOL: Daniel Sturridge has insisted Liverpool fans have still to see the best of him despite taking only seven minutes to score on debut in Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup third round win at Mansfield.
The 23-year-old, signed from European champions and FA Cup holders Chelsea last week, got on the end of fellow England international Jonjo Shelvey's through-ball to give Liverpool an early lead at Field Mill.
But Sturridge - who last played a senior match in November - missed further chances before he was replaced by Luis Suarez, with the Uruguay forward making it 2-0 thanks to a controversial 59th minute goal that saw the ball hit his arm in the build-up.
Mansfield's Matt Green pulled a goal back 11 minutes from time to ensure a nervous finish for Premier League Liverpool.
"I haven't had much training," Sturridge told Monday's Liverpool Echo.
"I've only had three sessions with the lads and then a light session on Saturday before the game.
"I am lacking sharpness in front of goal. I missed a few chances but hopefully once I get my fitness those ones that I missed will go in.
"It was a great pass from Jonjo - the vision and the weight of the pass for the goal was perfect. He made it quite easy for me to take the shot first time.
"We haven't had much time to work on stuff but we were both on the same wavelength. We get on well on and off the field.
"All the lads have been great with me and they've made it easy for me to settle in over the past few days.
"I want to say thank you to them for making me feel so welcome. I look forward to playing with them for many years to come."
- AFP/de
Football: Sturridge hopes Mansfield goal is just the start
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Football: Sturridge hopes Mansfield goal is just the start
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Football: Sturridge hopes Mansfield goal is just the start
