Raheem dreaming of Rio de Janeiro
Raheem Sterling has outlined his mutually beneficial personal targets for the 2013-14 season – cement a place in the Liverpool first team and secure a berth in England's World Cup squad.
The 18-year-old made a series of tremendous strides last season, breaking into Brendan Rodgers' senior set-up at Anfield before enjoying a maiden international appearance for the Three Lions.
Resting on his laurels is not on the forward's agenda for the coming campaign, however.
Sterling said: "I want to hopefully get a regular place at Liverpool, get a good run of games and show the manager what I can do with goals and assists and things like that.
"It's exciting. I can see Liverpool doing really well next season. Since Brendan Rodgers has been at Liverpool, the better the football has been.
"Results weren't really going our way at the start of the season, but as the team grew you can see what he's brought to the club. I can't speak highly enough of him.
"If I can score more goals, contribute more assists and have a good season then hopefully I can make the squad for the World Cup in Rio next year.
"I know can still improve. I need to relax more on the pitch, I'm sure that will come with age and experience.
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"I want to start contributing a lot more in terms of goals and assists. But as a young player I just want to take it in my stride.
"I don't get carried away with the hype. I just want to show people I'm a decent player.
"I try not to listen too much to what some people say. You can have good days, you can have bad days, so I just try to focus on my game and see what I can improve."