Manchester City vs Roma: £49m Raheem Sterling goes from zero to hero with debut goal minutes after falling over

The pre-season friendly is taking place over in Australia

Raheem Sterling celebrates his goal for Manchester City (GETTY IMAGES)

From zero to hero inside three minutes.

£49m Raheem Sterling tripped over the ball just 49 seconds into his Manchester City debut against Roma in Australia much to the delight of the baying crowd in Melbourne, but was soon celebrating after putting City ahead in the third minute.

Though all eyes were on Sterling, the most expensive English player in history, it was goalkeeper Joe Hart who secured victory with two fine saves in the shootout as City prevailed 5-4 on spot-kicks after the teams drew 2-2.

The former Liverpool player completed a £49m move last week after a protracted and ugly transfer saga. He quickly jetted off to link up with his new team-mates in Australia.

Latching onto a fine pass from 18-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho, rapid Sterling the controlled the ball and rolled it past Roma 'keeper Morgan De Sanctis, although just two minutes before the 20-year-old slipped up on his first touch in the sky blue shirt of City.

STERLING'S DRAMATIC DEBUT:

50 seconds - Sterling takes a tumble

3 mins - he recovers with this

Sterling was booed by the MCG crowd during his debut after his controversial move, although he quietened down the crowd after his goal.

Speaking before the game, Manuel Pellegrini made clear he wanted to get Sterling involved as soon as possible.

"Raheem worked with Liverpool for three days and so he will play some minutes," said the Manchester City manager.

He added: "I know him. I've seen him play against us for the last two seasons, but I think it's important for him to try and have minutes with our team as soon as he can."