The striker has impressed since joining the club in January – netting five goals in eight appearances – but is keen to shake off niggling injuries to aid his team for the run-in

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says the club have “nine cup finals” between now and the end of the Premier League season as they attempt to clinch Champions League qualification.

A 3-2 victory over top-four rivals Tottenham last time out was the club’s third win on the trot, and they head into Saturday’s trip to face Southampton hoping to record a fourth successive triumph for the first time in over two years.

And Sturridge, who has struggled with hamstring injuries since his January move from Chelsea, is keen to step up his rehabilitation and continue his fine scoring return for his new club.

“We’ve got nine games left and its nine cup finals in my opinion. I’m hoping to remain fit and God willing I can for those nine games,” the 23-year-old told the club’s official website.

“My fitness is fine. When I came back for the Tottenham game I trained for a couple of days prior to that. I didn’t feel as sharp as I could have.

“I’m not making excuses for not performing as well as I’d have liked to have done. I’m glad the team won and I was happy to help the team.”