Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling is continuing to receive rave reviews with club and England captain Steven Gerrard terming the talented winger "sensational."
Sterling scored the only goal in Saturday's English Premier League game against Reading, and with it became the second youngest goalscorer for Liverpool of all-time after Michael Owen.
Gerrard said he always expected the 17-year-old to make the senior grade, but admitted to being surprised at the ease with which he has adapted. "I think Raheem has been a great surprise to everyone," Gerrard told the Echo.
"Not that he's doing so well at this level -- as we always knew he was going to be good enough to play for the first team -- but I don't think anyone expected him to break through so early.
"When they are young and small sometimes they get eased in towards the end of a season to give them a taste.
"But the new manager has come in, seen what he's done in preseason and said 'Yeah, he's ready now.'
"He's given him his chance and Raheem's not let anyone down. He's been sensational so far."
Gerrard believes manager Brendan Rodgers deserves the credit for showing trust in the teenager, which in turn has been repaid by the winger's exploits on the pitch. "First and foremost you've got to have the trust of the manager as he picks the team," Gerrard added.
"Week in, week out he's getting a start and that's what you need. When you are breaking through you need the manager to believe in you.
"It's hard to play well every game. When you don't play well and the manager keeps playing you, he's telling you that you are ready for this level and that you are going to be here for a long time, so get out there and do your stuff.
"He did that on Saturday and he's been brilliant for us. He scored one very similar in pre-season and that goal will be great for his confidence.
"That's what will come into his game with more experience and the more belief he gets in himself. We all know he's exciting, that he can run at players and if he gets in one on one situations he's deadly.
"If he can add goals and assists to his game as he grows then he can go all the way to the top."