Mark Lawrenson: Controversial Striker Can Turn His Liverpool Fortunes Around

Mark Lawrenson believes that there is a good chance Luis Suarez can get the Liverpool fans back on side this season after the striker tried to force a move away from the club in the summer.

Suarez is currently still serving a ban after being found guilty of biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic towards the end of the 2012-13 season and the Uruguay international can return to action for Liverpool's League Cup clash with Manchester United on September 25th.

The striker caused controversy amongst Liverpool fans over the summer when he claimed he wanted to leave England, and then reassessed his ambition to play Champions League football when Arsenal were the only side to show serious interest in the star.

And while Lawrenson was one of the former Reds to insist that Suarez shouldn't return to the club after his actions he now believes that the 26 year old can put the fans on side with his performances when he returns.

"To be honest, Suarez is too good to leave out," he said in the Liverpool Daily Post. "And with the striker now only a few weeks away from a return, it will be a massive bonus for Rodgers.

"Mentally, Suarez should be absolutely fine. He's had a discussion with Rodgers and everybody knows where they stand.

"Suarez's behaviour over the summer was shabby and disrespectful at best towards the club.

"But he now has a chance to turn that around. Liverpool dealt with it extremely well."

Suarez's return will be particularly significant because he will likely face a United side who he also has a controversial history with. Should the hitman be able to keep his cool and go through a problem-free season, he could certainly make headway with Liverpool fans again.

But with reports circulating that Real Madrid are considering a move for Suarez in the January transfer window there could yet be more drama to come from the side's prized possession.