Liverpool boss Rodgers demands more from Sterling

Posted Saturday, December 07, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Brendan Rodgers feels Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling has gained from a spell out of the first team, but admits there is still room for improvement from the teenager.

The winger scored the final goal of Wednesday's 5-1 victory over Norwich City, after Luis Suarez had netted four times in a scintillating display that left the Reds fourth in the table.

The 18-year-old Sterling has been limited to just three Premier League starts this season, with Rodgers indicating he is wary of overplaying the youngster, who he believes will benefit from stints on the sidelines.

"Raheem is still only a very young player," the Northern Irishman told the club's official website. "I thought his finish on Wednesday night was excellent. It probably got lost in and amongst Luis' goals and his assist. The spell out of the team doesn't do him any harm."

The goal against the Canaries was Sterling's first of the top-flight campaign and while his manager praised the performance, he wants to see the player scoring and assisting more often.

"He's learning from very good players here and he knows that when he goes into the side, the confidence of the manager and his teammates is there to go and perform," the former Swansea boss added.

"Against Norwich, his pressing was very good, as was his strength on the ball. He knows he's got to add the numbers to his game in terms of the goals and the assists. He scored a terrific goal, so I'm delighted for him."