Caulker backs Sturridge for 'more exciting things' this season

Liverpool loanee Steven Caulker has been impressed by Daniel Sturridge's performances on the pitch and in training, and tipped him for "more exciting things" this season.

The striker has been plagued by injuries for much of his Reds career, but Caulker - at the club on a temporary spell from Queens Park Rangers - hopes Sturridge is over these setbacks ahead of Sunday's League Cup final against Manchester City.

"He's looking sharp and strong. He's always been a hard worker, I've known him from previous England camps and he's always got his head down and working hard, which is no different to how he is now," Caulker told Sky Sports' Jonathon Moar.

"He's been battling away, and hopefully it's time for a bit of luck on his side and he can stay injury free."

Sturridge's start at Aston Villa on Feb. 14 was his first in over two months and just his sixth of the season due to his lengthy spells on the sidelines. He showed his class, though, bagging a goal in a comprehensive 6-0 win.

"He's one of our best players, and he's proved that since he came straight back in with a goal against Aston Villa. I'm sure there's many more exciting things to come from him until the end of the season," Caulker said.

Unfortunately for the defender, Caulker's ineligible for the final at Wembley, having featured in the competition while on loan at Southampton in a 6-1 loss to Liverpool. He thinks the team still has what it takes to succeed.

"I'm well aware of how good this team can be, I felt the full force of them that day and if the boys can put a performance on like that at the weekend, they have a great chance of winning."

First up for Liverpool, though, is Europa League duty, with FC Augsburg visiting Anfield for the Round of 32 second-leg on Thursday.