Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has stated that Daniel Sturridge could prove to be the difference in Sunday's Merseyside derby with Everton.

The England international scored twice on his return against Aston Villa on Saturday as the Reds secured a 3-2 win at Anfield.

Fowler has said that if Liverpool want to beat their local rivals at Goodison Park, Sturridge will have to maintain his form.

"Daniel will be absolutely over the moon. He's a player that, given a few games, will score goals," Fowler told Liverpool's official website.

"He's a goalscorer and will be delighted with the way it turned out, scoring two goals and helping Liverpool win. Both goals were fantastic finishes, so a fit and firing Daniel Sturridge will only help us."

Sturridge has netted 37 goals in 57 Premier League appearances for Liverpool.