Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident of sealing a new deal for Raheem Sterling, after reports suggested talks over a new contract had stalled over the player's wage demands.
Sterling has been a revelation for the Reds this season, making the grade to the first-team with great aplomb, and eventually winning his first cap for England in Wednesday's friendly against Sweden.
Liverpool, knowing well Sterling's potential, is keen to ensure the long-term future of the 17-year-old, whose current contract will expire in the summer of 2014, with Rodgers insisting there will be no problems in doing just that. "I think it will be pretty straightforward," Rodgers said. "That will be resolved. There won't be an issue there.
"I think Raheem himself, his representatives and his family know he is at the best club he could ever be at in terms of his development short and long-term."
Rodgers admitted he was a little surprised at the rapid progress made by Sterling this season, even if he had no doubts about the teenager's talent. "I have been surprised to be honest," he added. "You just never know with young players.
"I think the biggest thing you can do with kids is give them a chance -- so long as they are showing on a daily basis they are worthy of that opportunity.
"That has been the case with Raheem since the day I walked in. He has improved and that is a great credit to him because he wants to improve and become a better player.
"Tactically he is doing better all the time and I think everyone connected with Liverpool could be proud of his (England) performance.
"To get exposed to that level of experience, playing alongside guys like (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic and seeing them at close hand and how they operate can only make you a better player.
"He has earned that right to be there, he has been one of the top young players in the country this season - he is a real threat, he is dynamic but thankfully he has a lot to improve on.
"That will hopefully bode well for Liverpool first and foremost and internationally after that."
