Friday, November 16, 2012

Liverpool Manager Confident Of Sterling Deal

Brendan Rodgers is convinced Raheem Sterling will commit his future to Liverpool, dismissing claims of a dispute regarding a new deal for the teenager.

17-year-old Sterling has developed into an integral part of Rodgers’ side this season, despite only making his first team appearance for the club just last March. The former Queens Park Rangers man further added to his credentials last night, when he earned his first England cap in England's 4-2 defeat to Sweden.

Liverpool have been understandably eager to get the starlet to sign a new deal, but reports have suggested the teenager’s wage demands had caused a moment of friction between club and player. However, Rodgers has moved quickly to quash such suggestions, confident a deal will be agreed upon without fuss.

"I think it will be pretty straightforward," Rodgers told Sky Sports. "That will be resolved. There won't be an issue there.

"I think Raheem himself, his representatives and his family know he is at the best club he could ever be at in terms of his development short and long-term."

Although perhaps forced into it as result of a wafer thin squad, the former Swansea City boss has won his plaudits this season for delving into the club’s youth ranks. Andre Wisdom and Suso have joined Sterling in becoming frequent figures in the first team, with the Jamaican-born winger leading the charge.

Even his manager has been taken aback by the 17-year-old’s rapid progress. "I have been surprised to be honest. You just never know with young players," added Rodgers.

"I think the biggest thing you can do with kids is give them a chance - so long as they are showing on a daily basis they are worthy of that opportunity. That has been the case with Raheem since the day I walked in.

"He has improved and that is a great credit to him because he wants to improve and become a better player.

"Tactically he is doing better all the time and I think everyone connected with Liverpool could be proud of his (England) performance.

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