Robbie Fowler believes Daniel Sturridge is key to Liverpool's hopes of claiming a victory in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The striker showed he has lost none of his prowess in front of goal as he produced two brilliant finishes during last Saturday’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

Reflecting on the No.15's return to scoring form, Fowler said: “Daniel will be absolutely over the moon. He’s a player that, given a few games, will score goals.

“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.”

The Englishman has now fired 37 Barclays Premier League goals in just 57 games since arriving at Anfield in January 2013.

“You can’t argue with that [scoring ratio],” added Fowler.

“He’s scored goals and he has done what he was brought in to do. What more do you want?

“We want Daniel to score goals, we want him to do well and we want Liverpool to win.

“To use another cliché, it doesn’t matter who scores the goals as long as we are winning – that’s very apt. But if Daniel is playing and he’s fit he will score goals.”

Whether Sturridge will feature against FC Sion in the Europa League at Anfield on Thursday night or be rested ahead of the Merseyside derby is down to Brendan Rodgers, with the manager carefully overseeing his fitness.

However, Fowler insists opposing defenders must be aware that the next time he does step onto the pitch, they will be facing a striker eager for more goals.

He said: “As a player if you’ve scored in your last game you will think you will go into your next game and are going to score. 

“He won’t want to be rested and he will be looking forward to it and looking forward to getting his boots on, you always are once you score because you feel unstoppable and he scored two very good goals on Saturday.”