Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling told to focus by Brendan Rodgers

The 18-year-old has seen his progress hampered since bursting into the side

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling (AFP/Getty images)

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has told Raheem Sterling to sort his life and and take advantage of being at “one of the biggest clubs in the world”.

The 18-year-old made a big impression at the start of last season but his progression has since been hampered by some well publicised off-field issues.

Quoted in the Daily Mail, Rodgers said: "He needs to have a clear mind in everything in his life. We mustn't forget he is 18. We have 18 and 17-year-olds on the bench at the moment. He needs to stabilise his life.

"He needs to understand the remarkable opportunity he has at one of the biggest clubs in the world and focus everything on his career.

"Once he does that and he is clear in his mind, once he has got no distractions, we can get to the level of performance of the first four to five months of last year.

"He is a good boy and had lots going on last year when he was put in the spotlight and he did well, but now it's about him focusing on his football."

PA