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Brendan Rodgers is backing Raheem Sterling to play a starring role in the 223rd Merseyside derby as the Liverpool boss dismissed concerns about the teenager’s long-term future.

The 19-year-old has been the Reds’ standout performer so far this term with three goals in their five Premier League matches.

Sterling’s stunning form has led to speculation that Real Madrid are plotting an attempt to lure him away from Anfield.

Liverpool lost Luis Suarez to Barcelona this summer but the manager insists he has no fears about Sterling also being snapped up by one of the Spanish giants.

Sterling’s existing deal runs until 2017 but the Reds are ready to reward his remarkable progress with a lucrative new contract.

The England international is in line for a major pay rise on his current basic salary of £30,000 per week and Rodgers is confident he will put pen to paper over the coming months.

“There are ongoing talks between the owners and myself regarding contracts for a number of players,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“With Raheem we are relaxed where we’re at with him.

“The club are dealing with that and I’m sure we’ll get the solution.

“He is very happy here – that’s the key thing. In time I’m sure that will be sorted.”

Rodgers believes it’s inevitable that Sterling will be linked with rival clubs considering he’s established himself as one of the most exciting young talents on the planet.

It was the Northern Irishman who handed him his first Liverpool start two years ago.

Since then he has gone on to light up the Premier League and earn nine England caps.

“You could link Raheem with every club in the world at the moment,” Rodgers said.

“I think it shows that he’s obviously playing exceptionally well.

“He’s a fantastic young talent.

“I sit easy with it. He’s a wonderful boy who is developing very well here.

“Him and his representatives know how comfortable he is here.

“I am sure at some point in the future the contract will be sorted.

“He still has three years left so there’s no rush.”

Sterling warmed up for the derby by playing the full 120 minutes of Tuesday’s dramatic Capital One Cup victory over Middlesbrough.

It was hardly ideal preparation with Rodgers admitting earlier this month he doesn’t want to over-burden the former QPR trainee.

But the manager believes Sterling will be ready to wreak havoc against the Blues.

“I’ve got no concerns,” he said.

“We gave Raheem a breather against Aston Villa because we knew he would be important for a number of games we had coming up.

“He’s a super fit boy and he will be relishing the game at the weekend.”