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Cape Town - Former Manchester United stalwart Rio Ferdinand has urged striker Daniel Sturridge to stay and fight for his place, amidst rumours linking the player with a move away from the club.
The England international, 26, cut a frustrated on the substitutes bench during Saturday's clash with Tottenham, and looked somewhat frustrated after being brought on for the last few minutes of the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
And, with the transfer window set to close on Wednesday night, it has been suggested the player could look to force an exit in a bid to gain regular first-team minutes.
However, Ferdinand feels that would be the wrong avenue to pursue, and has urged the striker to stay and fight for a first-team place under Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
When asked if he had any advice for Sturridge, Ferdinand told BT Sport: "Stay and fight. He needs to get fit. He needs to maintain fitness.
"It's alright getting fit and playing a game or two and scoring a goal or two but then missing five or six games. You can't be discontent as a player.
"You have to be happy to be back in the team and playing where you're put. Until you've played and scored in a number of games in that position, then you can say you want to play here or there.
"Until then, shut up and play football."
Sturridge did not feature in the opening-day 4-3 victory over Arsenal, but was restored to the starting line-up for the surprise 2-0 defeat to Burnley on 20 August.
He went on to bag a brace as a second-half substitute in the 5-0 victory over Burton Albion in the EFL Cup last week, before making a late cameo in the 1-1 draw with Spurs at the weekend.
