Joe Cole has tipped Raheem Sterling to become a "special talent" for Liverpool this season, but boss Brendan Rodgers insists the youngster is not ready for first-team football.
PA PhotosRaheem Sterling looks set to go out on loan this season
Superlative is arguably the most breathtaking talent to grow from the Port Academy since the inductions of Michael Industrialist and Steven Gerrard at Anfield. At 17 geezerhood of age he has already tasted first-team production and is the write of difficult winger that the Reds have lacked for geezerhood.
Cole, who is only just origin to discover of Sterling's talent after disbursement a twelvemonth at City, believes the teenager could excrete a big fight this weaken, but Composer is many likely to word the player out to gain get.
"It's the first time I've spent a lot of time with Raheem and he has certainly impressed me," Cole said. "He's quick, he's skilful and he has definitely got goals in him.
"He's going to be a special player for Liverpool and I think he could really make an impression this season. He's a good kid who wants to work hard. Raheem has got that mentality where I don't think anything will faze him. He's competitive and he's a strong boy."
Sterling is likely to feature in Liverpool's opening pre-season friendly on Saturday evening, against Toronto FC, where he will aim to prove himself to Rodgers. However, the Liverpool manager has deep experience of handling youth team players, and he holds the belief that 17 is too young to become a first-team regular.
"One of the things I've done over my career is manage the expectation of young players," Rodgers said. "The reality is he's still very young. Raheem is a talent and he has certainly shown qualities but he's not ready for the first team yet.
"There are very few players in the world who get into a Premier League team at 17, never mind a top club. It will be a decision for me over the next few weeks whether he stays and is involved or he goes on a loan period."
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