Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Andy Robertson is determined to ensure that Raheem Sterling endures another torrid Anfield return.

The Liverpool left-back is ready for another battle with the former Reds winger in Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final first leg with Manchester City.

Robertson dominated when the duo went head to head in January's Premier League clash between the clubs. Sterling, who was mercilessly booed by the Kop, was expertly shackled by the Scotland international and was substituted before he was sent off.

“Yeah, I would say I got the better of him in January but it was no easy task,” Robertson said.

“I never got forward that game as much as I would have wanted and that is credit to him and his work rate. It was tough.

“I managed to do my defensive duties and I will be looking to do that again.

“Raheem has been incredible this season. His stats and what he has been doing for City is unbelievable. He is on his way to being a world class player. He is improving every week so it will be another tough task.”

Sterling, who has scored 21 goals this season, has struggled in the meetings between the clubs since his £49million transfer to the Etihad three years ago.

His acrimonious move to City left a sour taste for Kopites and he's guaranteed another red-hot reception.

(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

“When a player comes back to a club that maybe does not agree with why he left or they don’t like him, they get booed,” Robertson said.

“I have seen that umpteen times. But I think Raheem is getting older and can start dealing with that.

“It might have been a factor in the last game, you’d have to ask him. But as a team we never let him or any of their boys settle and we need to look to do the same again.”

Robertson epitomised Liverpool's show of passion and desire in that 4-3 win over Pep Guardiola's side as he closed down City's rattled backline like a dog chasing a bone.

The 24-year-old knows that the same kind of collective effort will be required to put the Reds in the box seat ahead of next Tuesday's second leg at the Etihad.

“I think that was our most complete performance of the season,” he said.

“The last 10 minutes were a wee bit shakier than we would have wanted after going 4-1 up but we managed to press them all over the field and when the chances came we took them.

“Man City have been the best team in the league this season and are going to win the title. You could say there is a wee bit more pressure on them as they are playing against the team that are third. The people you are coming up against are world class players and you need 100% concentration.

“City’s movement is a joy to watch. As a defender you need to be aware of where your man is at all times.

“You also need to cause them problems going the other way and push them into areas they don’t want to go. That is what our front three and the rest of the boys will be trying to do. We won't fear them but we will be cautious of their strengths.”

Liverpool have kept three successive clean sheets in Europe and Robertson believes a backline strengthened since the arrival of Virgil van Dijk in January can deal with City's array of firepower.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“We feel as a team we are maturing every day,” he said.

“We are a relatively young team, we are learning, the manager is coaching us every day, and I feel the more we play together we are getting better.

“If you look at our defence, it is a relatively new defensive structure with Virgil and myself as new signings this season and Trent (Alexander-Arnold) playing a lot more often.

“As a team we feel we defend with 11 bodies. If we can do that as we have done then we can keep them out.

“We need to work in twos and threes to get the ball back as quickly as we can. We need to keep their top players quiet, and get our top players in the game.

“We are at home, we need to create chances and get the fans behind us. If I can get forward to help create chances I will do that.”

A year ago Robertson was part of a relegation battle with Hull City. Now he's preparing for the biggest night of his career having nailed down the Liverpool left-back spot.

There's no hint of nerves, just excitement.

“These are the games when you are a young kid, growing up and watching, that you want to play in,” he added.

“All the boys can use that to their advantage and feel lucky to be playing on such a big stage in such a famous stadium.

“You want to use that and put in a good performance. It will be 22 players having the privilege of playing in a big game like this. We are all looking forward to it.”