Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has vowed to take teammate Raheem Sterling under his wing to ensure that the 20-year-old maximizes his potential.

Sturridge struggled to find his feet early in his career as he failed to break into the first team at Manchester City and Chelsea, before he managed to settle and find his form at the Reds.

The 24-year-old believes that he needs to help guide Sterling to guarantee that the winger continues to improve after his breakout season in the last campaign.

Sturridge is quoted as saying by the Daily Star: "Me and Raheem are very close. To me, he's my little brother and I look after him and try to help him as a footballer and as a person.

"I didn't have anyone taking me under their wing when I was his age, so it is important and I understand my role with him.

"Raheem is a great player. He's young and he's got a lot of talent. He still improving. He's already improved so much which I am happy about and he will continue to do that."

Sturridge and Sterling scored a combined 31 goals in the Premier League last season.