Photo: Sky Sports

Daniel Sturridge was a Chelsea player between 2009 and 2013, but then failed to become a regular, scoring only 13 goals in 62 league outings for the Blues.

Now 28, the former Chelsea striker is on loan to West Brom from Liverpool as he was eventually sold off to Liverpool for £12million.

Ahead of rock-bottom Albion’s trip to Stamford Bridge, Pardew denied that Sturridge is thinking of hurting his old club.

The Hawthorns head coach said: “I don’t really take any of that into account – and I don’t think it’s relevant.”

Instead, Pardew believes getting back into the England team, with the World Cup finals looming, is a more meaningful aim for Sturridge. He added: “Daniel’s not mentioned England to me – it was me who suggested it because I feel that’s still a realistic target for him.

“In the bigger picture, if I was Gareth Southgate, I’d be taking a close look every game he plays.”

Pardew continued: “In terms of his character and the way he’s conducted himself, he’s been spot on.

“He’s not tried to big it up or be something that is above us. He’s come in, dug in, and worked.”

as hard as the others.

“But I think he knows, most importantly, he has to score goals for this club.”