Liverpool 2-0 Burnley: Henderson & Sturridge strike for in-form Reds

Daniel Sturridge celebrated his return to Liverpool's starting line-up with a goal in a routine 2-0 home win over Burnley on Wednesday that saw Brendan Rodgers' side climb to fifth.

Sturridge, who had started just one Premier League match since August, has been used sparingly by Rodgers in recent weeks.

The England striker has battled thigh and calf issues throughout the season but after a series of recent involvements in cup competitions, the Liverpool boss declared Sturridge was ready to be a regular part of his Premier League first-team again.

And he showed no signs of sluggishness in an excellent performance at Anfield, doubling Liverpool's lead early in the second half after stand-in captain Jordan Henderson had fired them in front in the 29th minute.

Henderson - who scored for the second Premier League game in a row - pulled the strings in a dominant midfield performance and also provided the cross for Sturridge's header.

The win comes on the back of Liverpool's 2-1 success against champions Manchester City on Sunday and extends their unbeaten league run to 12 matches. Burnley, meanwhile, continue to sit 19th as their relegation fears increase.