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Brendan Rodgers Will Allow Raheem Sterling to Play for England at 2013 European U-21 Championship

Brendan Rodgers has given Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling the green light to represent England at the European U-21 Championship this summer.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season during 2012-13, although the manager has recently discussed the need to “nurture” the talented forward.

Part of Sterling’s development has included a spell with the Reds’ U-21s team and Rodgers has revealed that could continue at international level in Israel.

“I spoke to Stuart Pearce because we have a number of England U-21 boys here and I don’t think it would do Raheem any harm,” the boss told the Daily Mail. ”He’s had a good season and going to a tournament like that, if selected, will be good for his experience.”

The 2013 edition of UEFA’s flagship youth tournament takes place from June 5, with England drawn in Group A alongside host Israel, Italy and Norway.

Looking to the short term, Rodgers has also considered using Sterling in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals — where Steve Cooper‘s Reds will face Chelsea.

“Micah Richards played in the Youth Cup when he was in the Manchester City side in the semifinals so we will see,” the Northern Irishman added. ”I don’t know a player around his age who is playing regularly at this level. We just have to ensure that as a club, we don’t make any mistakes with his development.”