Liverpool

Raheem Sterling understands reduced role

By Liam Power, Reporter | 26 February 2013

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling insists that he understands why his first-team chances have been restricted in recent weeks by the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has insisted that he has no problem waiting for his chance to impress from the substitutes' bench.

Sterling was a first-team regular until Christmas under manager Brendan Rodgers but has seen his playing time reduced since Daniel Sturridge joined the Reds last month.

The 18-year-old believes that he has a lot to learn at the top level and has vowed to stay grounded and make an impact when given the opportunity.

He told The Mirror: "I've had to do quite a bit of growing up, to keep my head down, and I understand completely I haven't made it yet. As a young player you've just got to keep working hard all the time," he said.

"I understand the situation, and hopefully I can get on the bench and then make an impact coming off the bench. That is the way to keep progressing, to try and get a chance and then to take it.

"I don't feel an added pressure. I can't try and overdo it. I've got to play my normal game and hopefully that will work out."

Sterling has scored twice in 35 Liverpool appearances this season and also made his England debut earlier in the campaign.