London, Jan 30 (IANS): Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is convinced outgoing captain Steven Gerrard will one day become manager at the Anfield.

Sturridge, who looks to make his return from a five-month injury lay-off Saturday, has not played with Gerrard since the revelation that the long-time Liverpool captain will join Los Angeles Galaxy this summer, reports BBC.

He Thursday said the 34-year-old Gerrard has the necessary attributes to manage the club at some point in the coming years.

"It's been a pleasure to play with him. I'm devastated he's leaving. I think he'll be at the club in some capacity very soon and I'm sure he'll manage the club one day," the 25-year-old Sturridge.

"Words can't describe what he's done for Liverpool as well as his country."

Gerrard played a big role in helping Sturridge go from under-performing player to deadly English Premier League striker.

"He's still a role model of mine. I look up to him, I think everyone in the squad does. He'll be sorely missed - he's somebody who's given me a lot of experience and helped me to improve as a person and a footballer," the striker said of the talismanic midfielder.

"He's still one of the best players. He'll be hard to replace from a footballing side, let alone in the dressing room."