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Sturridge strike will be a boost to my new mindset

There have been times, like all punters when I have thought about chucking the game in.

Last-minute goals not going my way. Controversial refereeing decisions robbing me of much-needed cash.

Persisting with Arsenal on Asian handicaps and backing MK Dons on the premise that, actually, this week, they actually are value.

All these things have led me to doubt myself but I was rejuvenated by an incident this weekend that didn't even happen on a football field. It came on a Florida golf course.

Rory McIlroy, the world's best player, was so disgruntled with a shot he hit with his three iron that he carried on swinging.

He chucked the offending club in a lake.

Now, if a sportsman, who my friends tell me is on the verge of being the greatest player of all time, can get that uptight, it shows us there is no problem with being frustrated.

Sometimes, stuff just happens and there is no option to get back on the horse.

I feel galvanised. Neither FA Cup match on Saturday was much to get excited about but I feel revitalised after seeing McIlroy's mad moment.

It's not just me. That's the important thing.

So I'm backing Daniel Sturridge to get the first goal in Liverpool's FA Cup quarter-final against Championship Blackburn.

He's looked as sharp as a tack in the last couple of weeks and should relish playing against a team from a lower level.

It's an ideal opportunity for the England striker to be given a runout and I expect him to take this game by the scruff of the neck.

And there will be no need for either of us to throw our toys out of the pram. 

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