Didi Hamann is delighted seeing Danny Sturridge make an instant impact at Liverpool.

At Manchester City, former Liverpool midfielder Hamann was approaching the end of his distinguished career when the young striker was breaking onto the first-team scene.

"I could see back then what a talent he was," Hamann told the Liverpool Echo, reflecting on their time together at the Etihad Stadium.

"Everyone at City was talking about Sturridge as an exciting young player who had a big future ahead of him. When he came into the first-team squad, he made a big impression. He had great pace, great feet and could finish.

"It was just a shame that a couple of injuries set him back. After that the situation at City changed dramatically with the club being bought out.

"Suddenly, City were spending a lot of money bringing in players and Sturridge found his game-time limited. I certainly wouldn't say he has failed at the clubs he's been at so far. City wanted to keep Sturridge and it was his decision to leave.

"It was a big step going to Chelsea and it took him a while to adjust. But it doesn't help a young player when your manager is changing all the time. When he went to Bolton on loan two years ago and got a run of games he showed what he's capable of by scoring a lot of goals for a struggling side.

"All the uncertainty and upheaval at Chelsea certainly didn't help his career and sometimes you need a change of scenery. He could have stayed at Chelsea but he wanted a fresh challenge. He wanted to play more regularly."