Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has insisted that the Anfield club have vanquished the memories of last season's Premier League title race disappointment.

The Reds were in pole position to win a first English championship in 25 years with four games of the campaign remaining, but eventually finished second to Manchester City.

This was still considered to be a great achievement for a side who were tipped to finish outside of the top four, but expectations are higher on Merseyside this term following a £100m summer spending spree.

While acknowledging that confidence within the camp is high, Sturridge has claimed that Liverpool are still underdogs and hope to go under the radar while title favourites City and Chelsea grab the spotlight.

He told reporters: "We were heartbroken at the end of last season but we are refreshed and mentally ready for a long season again. It's not easy but everyone is over that now and we look to the future.

"We have confidence within ourselves, we have a belief within the squad we can win every game - no matter what the opposition - with the philosophies the manager has and the individuals we have and how they work collectively.

"Getting off to a good start is fantastic for us, but we understand it is only one game and there are 37 to go. I think we go about our business silently. Last season we were underdogs and this season we are underdogs, I don't think it changes."

The England international striker scored the winner in Liverpool's 2-1 opening-weekend win over Southampton.