Liverpool poacher Daniel Sturridge hits back at Brendan Rodgers

DANIEL STURRIDGE has defended himself for putting country before club.

Daniel Sturridge says he has no regrets about playing for his country despite carrying an injury [ALEX LIVESEY/GETTY IMAGES]

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has criticised the striker, even though he came on as a substitute to score a late equaliser at Everton on Saturday.

Rodgers dropped Sturridge to the bench as he was not able to train properly after playing 90 minutes for England against Germany last Tuesday while still struggling with the effects of a thigh injury.

But Sturridge has no regrets and said: "For me, regardless of what condition you are in, if you are selected by the England manager, you go out there and do the best you can - regardless of whether you are carrying an injury or not.

"The manager gave me an opportunity and it's always a pleasure to put the England shirt on."

“The manager gave me an opportunity and it's always a pleasure to put the England shirt on”

Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge, with 11 league goals this season, admits he will now have to knuckle down on the training pitch to get his place back for Liverpool's visit to Hull on Sunday.
He said: "I have been hampered for the past three games. Since West Brom, when I got the bang, I've had blood underneath the muscles in my thigh.

"When I shoot from long distance I still feel pain, but it's getting better. It's important that I'm training. I didn't get to train much when I was away with England.
"I need to try to make sure I'm in the right condition to be able to go out there and do myself justice.
"I hope I'm fit enough to start against Hull, as it would be great to be back in the side."