Daniel Sturridge admitted that he is delighted to be back helping out his Liverpool teammates again after he capped his comeback with a well-taken goal on Saturday afternoon.
He returned to action for the Reds for the first time since August when he came off of the bench in the 68th minute after fighting injuries for five months, and it took him only 12 minutes to find the back of the net again. He sensationally controlled a Philippe Coutinho pass before firing past Adrian with a powerful right-footed effort at his near post.
The 25-year-old, whose return will be a huge boost to Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool side as a whole, told the club's official website after the 2-0 win over West Ham United that he is focused on helping out the team as best he can.
"It was an amazing feeling to be back playing and to help my teammates get the three points," Sturridge said to Liverpoolfc.com in the tunnel after the full-time whistle. "That's the most important thing - to just be out there and helping the team win games."
"It was great play by Coutinho. We have a great relationship - he knows my runs and I know the types of passes his likes to play as well. He makes my job easier. That's what he's best at, getting assists and playing amazing passes.
"Once I seen him cut inside, I knew the ball would come and it was just a case of getting it under control and hitting the target."
The Brazilian played a vital role in his side's victory, notching two assists as he set up Raheem Sterling with a terrific pass in the 51st minute before assisting Sturridge for his first goal since the winning effort in the season opener against Southampton.
In his absence, Sterling - who netted his ninth goal of the season against Sam Allardyce's men at Anfield - has carried the attacking burden, and Sturridge insists that the makeshift centre forward has done very well in the 3-4-3 formation that Rodgers recently masterminded.
"He's done extremely well. He's working hard and I'm proud of him as his 'older brother' to look at him and see how well he's done.
"I just hope he continues to work hard and play in the way he has because he's improving every single day. He takes it in his stride - he doesn't get too big headed, he doesn't get overly confident with anything.
"I take him under my arm when he goes through difficult times as well, but I give him all the credit in the world and I'm really proud of him."
Sturridge's return to the field resulted a huge morale boost both in the stands and on the field, coinciding with a mesmerising attacking display of skill and guile from himself, Sterling, Jordon Ibe and Coutinho, but the English international admitted obtaining the result was not easy.
"They made it difficult for us at times, but as the game went on we showed our qualities and took our chances," said Sturridge. "We missed a few as well, but we're improving in each game and long may it continue.
"We're showing that we've got that character and we're up for the fight. We've outplayed some quality teams and been unfortunate not to get the results we've deserved. Today we showed another side to our game and that we can fight.
"We got a clean sheet and it was a great performance from Simon [Mignolet] in goal being commanding on the crosses because it's very difficult. They're very good at set plays, so it was great for Si to show that leadership.
"It was a fantastic all round performance with a clean sheet and two good goals."
Sturridge may return to an old stomping ground next, after Liverpool drew 0-0 with his old club Bolton Wanderers last week.
Whilst at Chelsea, Sturridge spent a successful loan spell at Bolton - scoring eight goals in 12 Premier League appearances, but he will be fully focused on acquiring the result that the Reds need on Wednesday evening, should be picked.
"I've got a lot of love for Bolton for what they've done for me and my career," said the Liverpool striker. "They'll always be in my heart, but I'll be going out there looking to score goals and help my team win games.
"We're looking forward to it, we're ready to go. It's going to be a big game on Wednesday and we want to advance in the Cup."