Klopp hails Sturridge for his role in record

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp hailed Daniel Sturridge’s return after the striker sparked a rout at Aston Villa.

The Reds thumped Villa 6-0 to condemn the hosts to their heaviest home defeat since 1935 on Sunday.

A goal each from Sturridge, James Milner, Emre Can, Divock Origi, Nathaniel Clyne and Kolo Toure inflicted a crushing blow to Villa’s survival hopes.

England striker Sturridge had not started in the Premier League since October during an injury-plagued season which has included a hip problem, knee injury, foot issue and hamstring trouble.

His goal was a reminder to England boss Roy Hodgson ahead of Euro 2016 — and Klopp was delighted to have him back.

“We need the goals of Daniel and he needs the goals. For me it is not a surprise he can score goals,” said Klopp following Sturridge’s first start under him. “He is a real striker. It is really good to see. When he hides himself on the pitch it is really difficult to defend (against) if he is always somewhere.”

Defeat was the first time Villa had conceded five or more at home in the Premier League — and while manager Remi Garde refused to comment on his future, he revealed his deep disappointment.

He said: “I feel humiliation when you concede six goals at home without scoring. It is very painful. We do not have time to moan too much — we have to concentrate on the next game.

“We have 12 games to go. There is still the possibility to win these games and we have to fight for it. I will find players who still have the desire to win those games.”