Brendan Rodgers has revealed how Raheem Sterling has returned to pre-season training looking better than ever and ready to play a big part for Liverpool in 2013-14.

Though he earned his debut as a substitute against Wigan during Kenny Dalglish's reign, Sterling's real break came when Rodgers made him a first-team regular at the age of just 17.

An England call-up was followed by a period out of the limelight due to injury and concern from his manager that a full season in the first 11 might be too much at such a young age.

However, Sterling has returned for training this summer in good condition and marked being back in the side with goals against Preston and an Indonesia XI.

Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a year ago when I came into the club and he came away with us on pre-season as a reserve/youth-team player and his enthusiasm, quality and tenacity really hit me.

"He ended up starting the season after the West Brom game and for the first six months, he was sensational. He ended up getting a full England cap, which shows you the impact he made at 17 years of age. He went on to make over 30 appearances.

"Towards the end of the season, there was a natural drop-off purely because of the youthfulness of him and also because of the pressure of playing for Liverpool and at the very top end of the game.

"I took him out of that, he had a little injury at the end of the season as well, but I wanted to protect him and make sure he doesn't have too many miles on the clock too early.

"He's come back refreshed, he did work over the course of pre-season and was back and forward from his holidays into Melwood preparing himself well.

"He's now re-joined the group and I've got to say, I thought he was outstanding the other night.

"He looks so fit, he looks sharp, he looks better than what he was last summer when I came in, and I think he'll play a big part for us again this season.

"At 18 years of age, he has so much potential.

"If we nurture that well and he can retain his focus and mentality, he can be a big talent for Liverpool. I've been pleased with what I've seen from him so far."