A 10-game stay in the Liverpool starting line-up has not come as a surprise to Raheem Sterling.

Since returning to Brendan Rodgers' XI on the opening day of December 2013, the 19-year-old has produced an electric run of form, punctuated by three goals.

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez may have grabbed most of the headlines after the 5-3 victory at Stoke City last weekend, but Sterling equally caught the eye of Kopites.

His ability to dribble at searing pace, a new-found sense of adventure in the penalty area and his unlikely strength in the challenge combined in a display of much promise.

Although the Reds' No.31 kicked off the campaign among the substitutes, he always retained confidence that the opportunity to impress would present itself.

"I'm really enjoying having a run in the team; anyone playing for the club would love to have a run in the team," Sterling told Liverpoolfc.com.

"I've been given a chance, the manager has put faith in me and played me week in, week out so far. Hopefully I can produce on the pitch and carry on.

"I knew within myself that there would be a point in the season when I would get a chance. I just had to be ready.

"In training I was working hard to hopefully get a chance; the chance came and hopefully I can repay the manager by either scoring or assisting.

"Last season I looked at my game and I wasn't making the box enough. This season, all three of my goals have come within the box.

"I just need to keep making the box and the chances will come. Hopefully I'll get some more goals and add to my stats."

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In the past seven weeks, Sterling has been the subject of praise from his captain, Steven Gerrard, defender Kolo Toure, first-team coach Mike Marsh, and the boss himself.

So, how has Rodgers been assisting the wide-man's development?

"He has just said to carry on working hard for the team," the England international commented. "As long as the team is winning, we're all happy.

"It's a situation where we need to build from what we have already done and try to achieve our goal at the end of the season."

The youngster's noticeable desire to attack the opposition box has played a significant role in Sterling notching three times in his last 10 fixtures.

He explained: "I'm just working hard and trying to do the best that I can. I feel really confident now and feel as if I'm getting into my zone.

"Hopefully I've got more to come. Confidence is the most important thing for my game; if I'm not confident, I don't do the stuff I normally would do - I just do the safe or simple option.

"But now, getting into my zone with the senior players encouraging you to do what they know you can do, it's a really good moment for me and the team.

"This season, if you come into the dressing room before the game and after the game - and around the training ground - you can see the difference that has been made by the team bonding. It has been really good."