Raheem Sterling Has Impressed, But Brendan Rodgers Urges England to ‘Stay Calm’ Over LFC Youngster

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Sep 6, 2012

Raheem Sterling Has Impressed, But Brendan Rodgers Urges England to 'Stay Calm' Over LFC YoungsterBrendan Rodgers insists both Liverpool and England must be careful not to over burden teenage winger Raheem Sterling.

The 17-year-old has found himself in the spotlight since making his full debut against Hearts in August, with impressive performances against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City earning him plaudits.

Even so, Sterling was not selected for England U-21 duty this week, and will instead compete with the U-19s alongside Adam Morgan.

Rodgers has spoken to the Football Association’s director of football development, Sir Trevor Brooking, about the youngster and feels the decision not to elevate him at this stage has merit.

“I think with young players you have to be careful,” Rodgers told reporters.

“They can be elevated above their station too quickly. That is a part of it in this country. They have one good game and they get elevated into superstar status.

“You then see them at 23 and 24 and you wonder why they are not superstars any more. I spoke to Trevor Booking on the thoughts of where the FA believe he is at. I said, in my opinion, of course he has got the ability to be in the U-21s.

“But I believe in many ways it is right for him to go with the U-19s.

“It is all about individual needs. It might look great on the back pages that he is involved in the U-21s but the reality is that this is a kid who has made great strides over the last few weeks.

“He was absolutely fantastic through preseason. You have seen his quality, courage and attitude in the recent games — it has been fantastic. But for the moment let’s just stay calm.”

Sterling and Morgan will be up against their new clubmate Samed Yesil when England takes on Germany at 5:15 p.m. BST on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Liverpool trio Martin Kelly, Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey will be in action for England U-21s at 4 p.m. in Azerbaijan.

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