Liverpool striker Raheem Sterling has admitted that he needs to improve his consistency in front of goal.

The youngster was converted to a striker by manager Brendan Rodgers in the absence of Daniel Sturridge earlier in the season, and the 20-year-old is currently the Reds' top scorer with 10 goals this term.

Despite already matching his total for last term, Sterling admitted that he was "very critical" of his output in front of goal and explained what he is doing to try to improve his numbers.

He told reporters: "I feel my own form has been a bit stop-start. For a young player I suppose that's natural, but if I want to get my game to the next level then I need to be consistent week in, week out.

"If I am not scoring, I need to be assisting a goal or having a strong effect on the game. That is something I am working on. I am very critical of myself and always look at what I can improve on. At this moment in time that's my finishing – no-one else has to tell me.

"Any chance I get I'm looking to improve. I get five balls on my left side and five on my right side. How many go in? On the right I score three or four, left side only one or two. I've got 10 goals this season but I could easily have had 15 goals if I'd taken half my chances and been a bit more relaxed."

The England international is part of the squad that will be hosted by Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday.