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Brendan Rodgers has warned crocked Daniel Sturridge will never be considered a great striker until he shakes off his injury-jinxed reputation.

Sturridge was against sat in the stands as Liverpool failed to find the target for the second time in four days in a goalless Premier League draw against Hull City on Saturday.

The 25-year-old hasn’t featured for the Reds since August having been ruled out by thigh and calf problems, and is almost certain to miss next weekend’s trip to Newcastle United.

And Rodgers admits Sturridge is of little use if he remains on the sidelines.

“Top players have such an influence on the team,” said the Reds boss.

“When you are under the cosh, you know that you have strikers who can score out of nothing. It is a big weapon.

“Sturridge is one of them. That is where we aim to get with Daniel.

“But he won’t become a top Eurpean striker until he plays consistently. It doesn’t matter about potential. You have to play.

“When he comes back into the team, you will see the confidence because of the movement and the dynamic.

“But he isn’t fit and he hasn’t been for a long time. We just have to work without and while we are doing that, we are staying up and around the top end of the table.

“Everyone can see our conditions are different to work in this season. The players are working their best.”