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Di Matteo urges Sturridge along

Daniel Sturridge is still learning says Chelsea interim manager Roberto di Matteo © Getty Images

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Chelsea interim boss Roberto Di Matteo has backed striker Daniel Sturridge to rediscover the scoring form which led to the youngster's first England appearances.

Sturridge hit 10 goals in all competitions for Chelsea prior to New Year, but since the dawn of 2012 has hit the back of the net just once for the Blues.

Still with plenty to learn, which was in evidence in Sunday's FA Cup win over Leicester where team-mate Fernando Torres was left frustrated at Sturridge's perceived reluctance to pass, Di Matteo has highlighted the fact the 22-year-old is still learning his trade.

"I spoke to Daniel individually, yes - like all the other players," Di Matteo said. "He's a fantastic player with some incredible ability and he will be very important for us.

"There are not many players with that ability, and we sometimes forget he's a very young player, and young man, who is really in his first full season here.

"Daniel is still developing. Just look at his age and the number of games he has played. He needs to become a better player, but he has some incredible talent. He can make the team better and help us win more games."

Di Matteo added: "Every player has to put individual quality for the team for benefit of team. That way, the team becomes stronger."

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Manchester City, which Di Matteo will face without John Terry at his disposal.

"There is pressure on City and [manager] Roberto Mancini, although he is used to that pressure from his time at Inter - he looks fine to me. But we hope we can exploit it," said the Italian.

"We're all under pressure - they need points, we need points, other teams need points to avoid relegation. Every team has targets and are under pressure to achieve them.

"I don't know if it's psychologically damaging for them to be behind United when they were ahead for so long.

"We have to prevent them expressing themselves."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.