• Premier League

Sturridge: Liverpool are over title heartbreak

Daniel Sturridge believes Liverpool have recovered from the heartbreak of missing out on the title last season and thinks they can be the surprise packages again this year.

Brendan Rodgers' team were league leaders with three games to go but then lost 2-0 to Chelsea and squandered a three-goal lead against Crystal Palace to draw 3-3.

But striker Sturridge, who was their second top scorer then, is convinced there will be no hangover.

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Rickie Lambert made his Liverpool debut against former club Southampton © Getty Images

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"We were heartbroken at the end of last season but we are refreshed this season and mentally ready for a long season, again especially with the Champions League," Sturridge said.

"That is something I can't wait to play in and the players can't wait to play in. It took a while. It is not easy to get over things like that but everyone is over that now and we look forward to the future and hopefully bringing success the club."

Few tipped Liverpool to take part in the title race last season and Sturridge is not worried that many have suggested they will fail to finish in the top four in the current campaign.

"It is very early on in the season to be making predictions of who is going to win the league and who are going to be the top four," he said. "I think we go about our business silently. Last season we were underdogs and this season we are underdogs, I don't think it changes.

"The manager has made great signings and we look forward to the future and having a successful season because everyone is hungry for success."

Sturridge scored the winner as Liverpool kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Southampton and he added: "It is early in the season. We have confidence within ourselves, we have a belief within the squad we can win every game -- no matter what the opposition - with the philosophies the manager has and the individuals we have and how they work collectively."

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