Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that Raheem Sterling can "play a big part" for the club this season.

The 18-year-old winger has scored twice for the Reds so far this summer as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign.

"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," Sky Sports News quotes Rodgers as saying.

"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."

The Merseysiders start the season at home to Stoke City on August 17.