Boss: Raheem has earned it
Brendan Rodgers today predicted Raheem Sterling will build upon a promising start to his senior Liverpool career – and insisted his international debut was a source of pride for the club.
The winger has made 17 appearances so far this season and has established himself as a key member of the manager's plans.
Indeed, such has been his progression, Sterling won his first England cap in Wednesday evening's international friendly with Sweden in Stockholm.
Rodgers believes such an experience will aid the 17-year-old's growth even further.
He reflected: "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.
[OTPA_WIDGET_CONTENT]
"He created the first goal with his pass and I thought he did very well. He's a real talent and one that has to be nurtured.
"To get exposed to that level of experience, playing alongside guys like [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and seeing them at close-hand and how they operate can only make you a better player.
"He has earned that right to be there, he has been one of the top young players in the country this season; he is a real threat, he is dynamic but thankfully he has a lot to improve on.
"That will hopefully bode well for Liverpool first and foremost and internationally after that."
Meanwhile, Rodgers is confident Sterling will sign a new long-term deal with Liverpool when he turns 18 in December.
"I think it will be pretty straightforward," said the manager. "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."