Bolton forward Daniel Sturridge keen to make impact amongst Chelsea’s stars

EPL : Daniel Sturridge, Tottenham v Bolton(Getty Images)

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On-loan Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has hailed his time at Bolton Wanderers but is eyeing his opportunity to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old has scored four goals in five games since moving to the Reebok on loan until the end of the season, a contrast in fortunes to Chelsea’s new £50 million signing Fernando Torres, who has yet to find the net for his new club.

The former Manchester City man has already become a firm fans favourite at Bolton, but Sturridge has moved to quash any hopes his move will become permanent.

Speaking to The Independent, Sturridge said: “I’m looking forward to going back at the end of the season, to rekindling friendships, to being a Chelsea player again.

“I’m contracted to Chelsea for another three years and I want to see that contract out. Obviously you can never say never in football, but Chelsea is still where my heart is.”

Despite being focused on a return to Stamford Bridge in the summer, Sturridge has praised the Bolton set-up, and in particular fellow striker Kevin Davies.

“I knew Jack Wilshere did well here,” he added. “Fabrice Muamba is a good friend from the England Under-21s. Also, Zat Knight is a family friend I’ve known since I was young.

“And I liked the manager Owen Coyle, who’s a really nice guy and a fantastic man manager. He keeps everyone happy, the morale here is amazing. It’s easy to join a team like this. No one ever seems to be upset about anything.”

“Since coming here I’ve learnt a lot from Kevin Davies. I’ve never seen a player win so many headers, and playing with him has taught me to put myself about a bit more, maybe toughen up a bit.

“I think he brings out the best in me, and we get on really well, which helps. In any training-ground situation, if there are pairs then it’s always me and Kevin. And I can talk to him about anything.”

Although the arrival of Torres at Stamford Bridge may have hampered Sturridge’s chances of securing first team football with Chelsea next season, the young striker is prepared to prove himself at the very top level.

He continued: “I’m happy he’s joined Fernando Torres. The club needs to progress, and he makes the squad stronger than it was before. I hope Didier stays too. He’s a great footballer, and I respect him so much, as a man off the field, not just as a player.

“But I believe I’m good enough to start at Chelsea regularly, and when I get the chance I’ll prove to everyone that I should be a regular.

“At Chelsea I’m among world-class strikers, so if I’m picked to start I’ll be deemed a world-class striker as well. When Lionel Messi came in at Barcelona they had Samuel Eto’o, Ronaldinho, Ludovic Giuly.

“I’m not saying that’s going to be me, but you can prove yourself against these guys, and I don’t know how good I can be.”