The former Chelsea forward is finally back in action after spending the majority of the summer on the sidelines with an ankle problem sustained on England duty in May

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is confident of having a strong season after making a return from injury against Celtic on Saturday.

Though Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 1-0 in their final friendly fixture, in Dublin, the 23-year-old was delighted to get some game time under his belt as he continues his rehabilitation.

It is a first taste of action for the forward since suffering an ankle injury while on international duty with England in May and the recovery could not come at a better time for him, with the new Premier League campaign beginning against Stoke City on Saturday.

“I’m delighted to be back,” Sturridge told LFC TV. “It’s been a long road – a bumpy one at that – but I’m delighted to be back out there and I’m thankful to God for healing my injury so quickly because I wasn’t sure I’d be back for the start of the season.

“I’m fit and good to go. If I’m selected against Stoke then I’ll be ready. I didn’t think I’d be as sharp as I was, to be honest, so I’m happy!

“I would have loved to have scored and marked my return with a goal, but the important thing was to leave the pitch healthy with no injury or anything.”

Sturridge scored 10 goals in 14 league appearances for the Reds last season, after arriving at Anfield from Chelsea during the January transfer window.