Wilkins – Sturridge can step up next season

The Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins believes that Daniel Sturridge can make a step closer to becoming a regular starter for the Blues next season.

Sturridge arrived from Man City last summer on a free transfer, and with a big reputation as a star of the future, but is finding limited chances behind Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Although obviously nervous when first picked for Chelsea, he has gradually relaxed and scored a few goals in cup games. Wilkins believes he can now build on those performances.

“Daniel is an extremely talented young man who has shown his massive potential, particularly in the FA Cup where he scored in each of the first three rounds. Next season we hope he can kick on even more and begin challenging for a regular starting place.”