Ward: Training with Sturridge helped

Cape Town - Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward says coming up against Daniel Sturridge in training helped him stay sharp, following his Premier League debut against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Ward made his first appearance for the Reds in the absence of first-choice keeper Simon Mignolet and conceded a goal in their 2-1 victory over the Cherries.

"It helps training with the likes of Studge [Sturridge], but it is the same with every player. Everyone is at Liverpool for a reason, they have talent," he was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

"'Studge's talent is to put the ball in the back of the net so if you can keep out x amount of shots from Daniel Sturridge - or we had Luis the other season and Steven Gerrard - that will help you and give you a confidence boost.

"He's a special player. Studge is the type of man who can be out the game for 60 or 70 minutes and all of a sudden will get himself two goals. Hopefully he can carry on that form for the rest of the season."

The 22-year-old shot-stopper also hopes to continue to do well at Anfield to earn a place in the Wales squad for Euro 2016 in France.

"I hope I make the Euro squad. No one is guaranteed a place, you just have to keep your head down and work hard and the manager might pick you," Ward said.