Rodgers Tips Teen Winger For International Success

Brendan Rodgers believes that Raheem Sterling has what it takes to be successful for the England squad after the Liverpool youngster shone under the manager last season.

With only injury hampering his success towards the end of the 2012/13 campaign, Sterling had a lot to be proud of after coming through the youth ranks and proving himself to Rodgers in his first season in charge of the side.

The teen has put himself on the map for Roy Hodgson, who selected the youngster to join the England side for their matches against Moldova and the Ukraine and Rodgers believes that after a great start to the season Sterling will be able to transfer his good performances to the international side for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

"Raheem has looked very bright and very sharp for us," Rodgers told the Liverpool website. "He took his goal against Notts County last week exceptionally well.

"He worked very hard to overcome the thigh injury which forced him to miss the closing months of last season and enjoyed a good pre-season.

"This is a young player who for six months last season was one of the top performers in the Premier League, not just for Liverpool."

Rodgers insisted that the key to Sterling becoming a regular for England is in proving that he can show up week after week and put in the performances which were demonstrated at the start of the season for Liverpool.

"He has shown he's capable of being here and playing at the top level," he explained. "For us it's just about taking the pressure away from him.

"Now he has to demonstrate that ability on a daily basis and when he gets opportunities in games he needs to consistently perform. If he does that then he will have a really bright future."

Liverpool were able to build on their attacking line-up considerably in the summer and with Sterling reaching his peak and receiving a confidence boost in joining England in their upcoming matches the side will be well prepared for the season ahead.