Sturridge still Rodgers' main man

Cape Town - Liverpool are preparing to welcome Mario Balotelli to Anfield, but Reds boss Brendan Rodgers insists star striker Daniel Sturridge is still his main man and should not be worried about the imminent arrival of the Italian.

According to the Mirror, Rodgers is hoping the former AC Milan striker can take some of the goalscoring burden off Sturridge’s shoulders, and believes the England international won't be threatened by Balotelli's arrival, but rather happy at the chance to partner him up front.

“The dynamics between players are important,” said Rodgers.

“But I don’t worry because if you are a top player with a top mind, you want other top players".

 “If you are a top player with a top mentality, you respond to the competition.

“I also need flexibility and also if you look at Daniel’s injury record, he has missed a number of weeks through being injured. I need to ensure I’ve got the replacements if they are not on the pitch at the same time.”

Rodgers insists he has been delighted with Sturridge since he signed from Chelsea in 2013 and has reassured him over his role at Liverpool. A new deal could soon see him extend his contract at the Merseyside club.

 “I have said repeatedly that Daniel is a top talent, but we need to have more than one top talent in here. But he is a big player for us and will remain so.”

Sturridge will lead Liverpool’s attack at Manchester City tonight.