Sturridge thanks Spurs boss for picking him at Chelsea

While the striker is now operating chiefly as a centre forward for the Blues he has been deployed as a winger often in the past and he hopes that versatility continues to serve him well.

Sturridge, who is behind Fernando Torres in the Stamford Bridge pecking order, said: “I’m playing centre forward now which is what I’ve wanted since I played for Chelsea.

“I’m glad now that I’m able to stake a claim for the centre-forward position and I’m looking forward to doing that.

“But I think the season I had last season in terms of playing on the wing has helped me to become a better player, and it made me use my right foot a lot more which I didn’t do before.

“I’m happy that I got the opportunity to play regularly and I thank Andre Villas-Boas for that, for giving me the opportunity.”

Sturridge is in the England squad to face Sweden tomorrow night in a friendly and at least does not feel disadvantaged in international terms by the fact he is not starting regularly, with manager Roy Hodgson having assured him he is in his plans.

Sturridge said: “Whatever position the manager chooses me to play in - wide, number 10, a number nine - I’ll do my best and run my heart out for the country and try and help the team get a result.

“I’m delighted to be involved and thankful for the manager for showing faith in me and picking me for the squad and I’m just looking forward to flying out there and playing the game.

“The England manager has made it clear that players do not have to start for their clubs to play for England.

“That is a huge leap of faith for players like myself who are not playing regular first-team football.

“The manager understands our situation knows what we are going through and is trying to help us through that.”