Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised EFL Cup hero Daniel Sturridge, insisting he has never lost faith in the striker’s abilities. 

The 27-year-old English striker has been reduced to a spell on the sidelines in recent games as Klopp opted to utilise the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho in his attacking positions.

Sturridge, however, was back in the side for EFL Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, proving his class as he netted a brace to steer the Reds to a 2-1 victory.

‘That’s his talent, that’s his strength. He’s a finisher, he’s a really good striker, there’s no doubt about this,’ Klopp told Liverpool’s official website. ‘I was never in doubt about this, even when he didn’t score. That’s not in question. We don’t have to discuss the quality.’

Klopp also had praise for the impact of rarely utilised duo Divock Origi and Danny Ings.

‘Divock Origi didn’t score tonight, but he played quite well,’ Klopp added. ‘Danny Ings didn’t score when he came in, but he played really well.’

The win took Liverpool into the quarter-final of the tournament, where they must await the completion of the Round 16 action before their next opponents are announced.