England captain Steven Gerrard has asked for patience with Liverpool team-mate Raheem Sterling.
The teenager has impressed for the Merseysiders so far this term, and has been rewarded with a call-up to the senior England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday at Wembley.
Gerrard has hailed Sterling’s impact so far this term, but also stated that the youngster needs time to mature.
“I think he deserves this call-up. The impact he has made has been sensational and he has been one of our shining lights,” the midfielder told reporters at a press conference, published by Sky Sports.
“The results we have had this season haven’t been good enough but he has still stood up and his performances have been really good.
“I think the important thing now is that he keeps his feet on the ground, keeps learning and keeps trying to find a consistency in his game, but I don’t think it’s going to be long before he is in this set-up as a regular because he is that kind of talent.
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“These young lads are fantastic talents. I think it is important to be patient with them because they have all the tools.
“Let’s not build them up and put too much pressure on them. Let them just progress and become good players naturally,” he commented.