Brendan Rodgers has backed striker Daniel Sturridge to carry on "lighting up" Liverpool's team as a substitute after scoring on his return from a five-month injury absence.

Sturridge came on for the final 20 minutes of Saturday's Premier League match against West Ham, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win.

The win lifted Rodgers' side above the Hammers into seventh place, and they sit four points outside a Champions League spot.

Sturridge's absence -- the result of two thigh injuries and a calf problem -- has been keenly felt in a Liverpool side who have struggled to match the heights of last season, when they finished as Premier League runners-up.

Rodgers admits that the England striker is not yet ready to start matches after his lengthy absence, but is set to play a key role as the Reds look to enjoy a memorable second half of the season.

"He provides the light for this team," said Rodgers to the British media. "When you add a top-class player like him, you can go to another level.

"When he came on, the team looked very, very good. You've got a genuine top European talent in Daniel Sturridge. If you get him on to the field, everyone knows his pace will always frighten teams. When you put him on, you see the power he has.

"He's still a bit of time off starting. You saw when he came on he was still getting used to the surroundings again. It's just about bedding him back in."

Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson echoed his manager's remarks, saying the return of Daniel Sturridge has boosted not only their goal threat but also confidence within the squad.

"It was obviously good for Dan to come on and get his goal so there were some positives,'' said Henderson.

"It gives the crowd a lift when they see such a big player coming back and he never loses his movement, even though he has been out for so long, and it was a great finish with his right foot.

"He is a huge player, he has such talent and he can change a game in a couple of seconds.

"He will keep getting better and better. It is a great boost for everyone involved the club and hopefully we will kick on and get some momentum going.''