Two-goal Sterling thrives on front role
Raheem Sterling struck a double to help guide Liverpool into the Capital One Cup semi-finals on Wednesday evening and then explained why he is happy to continue in a central striking role if required by the manager.
Brendan Rodgers switched the 20-year-old to the focal point of his attack against Manchester United at the weekend and stuck with the alteration for the clash with Championship side Bournemouth.
He was rewarded handsomely for his faith at the Goldsands Stadium, where Sterling coolly converted the first and third goals for the Reds in a 3-1 victory that set up a last-four meeting with Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea in January.
"I like playing up there," the No.31 reflected to Sky Sports immediately after the final whistle had been blown on an encouraging display tonight. "Wherever the manager plays me, I'll try to do a job for the team.
"I always put 100 per cent in and it was no different tonight playing up front. I haven't played there in a long while, since youth team days. But I'm more than happy to do a role for the team.
"The most important thing is for the team to win. I'm happy to be in and among the goals, but I'm happy as long as the team wins.
"It has been difficult in the last few weeks, but the boys did really well today and deserved that. We played some great football at times and it is a credit to the lads."
Adam Lallana was one of several teammates supporting Sterling in advanced positions at Bournemouth, causing regular problems with his precision passing - notably in assisting his younger colleague's second strike.
The Englishman expected goals to soon start flowing from the forward and sent glowing praise in his direction. He said: "I thought we came out and controlled the game, passed the ball around and were patient against a very good Bournemouth team that are top of the Championship.
"We knew we would have to show quality, and Raheem was brilliant tonight. He works hard week in, week out and his goals were always going to come. It's a credit to how mature he is at such a young age. To get two tonight was brilliant."