Liverpool assistant manager Gary McAllister has claimed that the club will be patient with Daniel Sturridge as he bids to regain full fitness.

Sturridge returned to the side for the first time since March in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Norwich City at Anfield, and the pressure is on the England international to fire the team up the table.

However, McAllister insists that the striker will need time to find his best form once again.

"That was a positive from the weekend," he told reporters. "He's a quality player and he brings something different but the medical guys are aware of Daniel's situation.

"Over the season he's a player they want to really look after and it's just a plus to have him back in and around the first team."

Liverpool host Carlisle United in the League Cup on Wednesday.