Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been full of praise for manager Brendan Rodgers by insisting that his coach was a "huge" reason behind his decision to sign a new contract.

The 25-year-old England international has committed the next five years of his career to the Merseyside outfit.

Rodgers brought Sturridge to Anfield in January last year from Chelsea and the striker went on to score 21 Premier League goals last season.

"With the opportunity he has given me, with everything that has gone on since I've been here, I've improved as a footballer, and also as a guy, as well, from working with him and having a working relationship with him," Sturridge told the club's official website.

"He's great with all the players, not just myself, but I've improved everything, every aspect. You can always improve as a footballer and you have to be willing to learn. That's the kind of person I am and the manager has helped me to improve, so I am grateful for the opportunity he's given me.

"Since I've come in here, he's put his faith in me and played me in a central role, which I've always been asking for throughout my career."

Sturridge has missed Liverpool's last six games due to a thigh injury that he picked up while on international duty with England.