Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says the club's new signing Daniel Sturridge can have "no excuses" if he fails to become a success at Anfield.

The 23-year-old striker, who signed for the Reds in a £12m deal from Chelsea, struggled to secure regular first-team football at both Manchester City and the European champions.

"He has said he wants to play football for a big club," said Gerrard.

Daniel Sturridge stats

England (2011-present): 4 caps, 0 goals

Bolton Wanderers (loan 2011): 12 Premier League appearances, 8 goals

Chelsea (2009-present): 96 appearances in all competitions, 24 goals

Manchester City (2006-09): 32 appearances in all competitions, 6 goals.

"There'll be no excuses. He'll be with good players at a great club."

Gerrard challenged fellow England international Sturridge, who scored six goals in 32 City appearances and 24 in 96 games for Chelsea, to consistently produce the goods for Liverpool.

"Daniel has the quality. I know he's got it - I've seen it," added the 32-year-old skipper.

"He's suffered a bit at Manchester City and moved on to Chelsea where he hasn't played as much as he wanted but has shown flashes of brilliance.

"I think he's at the age now when he needs to settle down, get a settled club and show consistently what qualities he's got.

"It's all there for him. He just has to go and grasp it with both hands.

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"He's got power, pace, strength - he has got huge potential"

Steven Gerrard Liverpool captain

"He's at an age now where he should be performing week in, week out."

Sturridge was at Anfield to watch Liverpool record a 3-0 win over Sunderland. Fellow forward Luis Suarez scored twice to take his total of league goals this season to 15.

With Andy Carroll out on loan at West Ham, Sturridge will be competing with Italian Fabio Borini for the chance to partner the Uruguayan in attack.

"Daniel's arrival will help the club. He's got power, pace, strength - he has got huge potential," Gerrard added.

"He's another attacking option and if you look at the bigger picture from the beginning of the season up until now, we have been a little bit short in the final third."