Brendan Rodgers today revealed how a tactical shift has helped bring the best out of Raheem Sterling and allowed him to turn in a string of outstanding displays following his return to the team.

The winger has excelled having started the Reds' last five matches, contributing three goals and earning the praise of his manager.

"Raheem has shown he is back now," Rodgers said.

"I always try to act in the best interests of the player. I thought when he started out he was outstanding.

"He had a real dip in his performance level for a number of reasons but I'm always fair with players if they are performing in training and showing a real focus.

"He has shown he is back to that level where he is really aggressive and direct. And what he is doing is scoring goals, which is important.

"It's interesting because he has always preferred playing from the left. And if you've seen him in the youth team, he played from the left.

"But when I looked at him in training all his goals were coming from the right so it's a question of working with him. He's still so young - he was only 19 the other week and I'm sure there will be other dips along the way.

"He's still learning. I thought he was exceptional at Tottenham in a big game. He showed he's got that ability to play at that level."

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Rodgers believes Sterling can regain a place in the England senior side - and with it, a chance to participate in next summer's World Cup finals - if he can maintain his level of form.

"He's got every opportunity," added the boss. "He's been able to showcase his talents.

"He's done very well for the U21s when he's played.

"I think if you look at a number of the English players playing for us - there's Jordan Henderson and the level of his game at the moment and the likes of Raheem.

"I think this is a place where the young players are growing and developing and that will benefit both England and Liverpool."