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Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers has saluted Raheem Sterling for the manner in which he handles life in the spotlight for both club and country.

Rodgers says the gifted teenager has matured into the perfect role model for youngsters looking to establish themselves at Anfield.

“It is incredible to think as he sits there now he is just 19 years of age and carries all those hopes on his shoulders for his country and club,” Rodgers said.

“He was a 17-year-old boy when I came in here and I’ve seen him grow into a terrific young man. How he has handled himself has been amazing,

“He came through a great education system here and he is gaining experience all the time.

“When he used to come into the office to talk, I never thought he was listening. That’s young players and a lot of it was concentration. Now I see his eyes engage and he takes things on board.

“It also helps being around top players and those who carry themselves well.

“He is a clever, intelligent boy who learns quickly.

“This last period has been difficult for everyone, especially when you are one of the top young players in world football, but he has handled it really well.

“It is something I now expect from him because he has matured a lot in these last couple of years.”