Steven Gerrard has reserved special praise for Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling, with the 17 year old stepping up for both his club and country in the last few months.

Sterling has been handed a chance by Brendan Rodgers to make regular appearances for the first team, as the manager struggles with a squad particularly thin at the front of the park.

And so far, he has surpassed all expectations at Liverpool, giving the other youth players inspiration as he earned his first call-up to the England squad.

Gerrard believes that he is set for big things after demonstrating such great talent at such a young age.

Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling's progress for England and Liverpool has impressed Steven Gerrard.

"When I was 17, I was an apprentice at Liverpool cleaning boots in the changing room. It goes to show how far he has come in a short space of time," he told The Telegraph.

"I thought he was brilliant. He has learnt really quickly in a Liverpool shirt and he will do the same for England. It won't be long before he is a regular and he is going to be a phenomenal talent."

Sterling has so far made 17 appearances for Liverpool this season, and with the side still in the Europa League, the youngster will have a chance to clock up more game time as the season continues.

Andre Wisdom and Suso have also made huge step ups into the first team this season, showing that while the side may have to wait to get back to their glory days, there is still promise in the up and coming talent.