Steven Gerrard has told Daniel Sturridge to roll up his sleeves and fight for his Anfield future.

The former Liverpool captain watched on at Home Park as the striker endured a disappointing night in the 1-0 win against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup third‑round replay before being substituted by the manager, Jürgen Klopp.

Sturridge has started just five Premier League matches this season and has been linked with a move away from Anfield in the January transfer window.

“Only he knows whether he’s happy, whether he’s frustrated or whether he wants to go somewhere else and challenge himself,” Gerrard said on BT Sport. “But Liverpool aren’t going to let him go for cheap. Liverpool need him. He scores goals when he plays, his minutes-to-goals ratio is incredible.

“I’m sure if someone came along with a huge, huge offer and Daniel wanted it there could be a solution there, but as it stands right now Liverpool need Daniel Sturridge and I can’t see him going anywhere short term.”

Gerrard believes that if the England forward stays put, he and Liverpool could kick on and push for the Premier League title.

“He’s capable of world-class moments and performances and I think Liverpool are on the verge of something really big under this manager,” the 36-year-old said.

“Maybe he is frustrated from week to week but there’s a great chance he could get silverware with Liverpool in the near future. If I were him I’d be patient. I think there’s good things on the horizon.”