Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is going to be a brilliant player for Liverpool in the coming years, Brendan Rodgers claims.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has talked up the talents of Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe, claiming the pair will go on to do great things for the club in the future.

Sterling's goal against Norwich during the week was somewhat forgotten amongst Luis Suarez's performance for the side but the 18 year old has done a lot to prove himself this month with positive performances in the absence of Daniel Sturridge.

The teen has struggled for game time this season after breaking into the senior squad but Rodgers insists he's keeping a close eye on Sterling's performances and believes he will turn into a brilliant player for Liverpool in the coming years.

"Raheem is still only a very young player," the manager told the Liverpool website. "I thought his finish on Wednesday night was excellent. It probably got lost in and amongst Luis' goals and his assist.

"But we've just encouraged the front players to take more of a risk and get into the box. It was a wonderful finish off his left side. We mustn't forget that he's a boy of 18 years of age, who is developing all the time.

"The spell out of the team doesn't do him any harm. He's learning from very good players here and he knows that when he goes into the side, the confidence of the manager and his teammates is there to go and perform.

"Against Norwich, his pressing was very good, as was his strength on the ball. He knows he's got to add the numbers to his game in terms of the goals and the assists. He scored a terrific goal, so I'm delighted for him."

Rodgers also had special praise for Ibe, even though the youngster has been handed just one appearance so far this season for the Reds in a Capital One Cup game in August.

"Young Jordon Ibe, what a talent he is," Rodgers explained. "He's 17 years of age and he trains up with us in the first-team squad.

"He will need a loan period because he needs to get games, he needs to go and get the environment and get playing. But he's another one who we really see for the future. But he probably will need a loan period."