Brendan Rodgers has said that young prospect Raheem Sterling will continue his development in

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said that young prospect Raheem Sterling will continue his development in and around the Anfield club's first team set-up, and not by way of going out on loan.

Raheem Sterling has impressed Brendan Rodgers

The 17-year-old winger made his first Premier League start for the club in Sunday's 2-2 draw with champions Manchester City, following up an impressive display he had put in the previous Thursday in Liverpool's Europa League win over Hearts.

Now Rodgers is keen to continue handing Sterling further opportunities at Anfield, and has made it clear that any clubs hoping to take the player on loan will be left disappointed.

"I've seen a lot of development in him in a short time, because he takes on a lot of the concepts and he is very good with instructions," Rodgers said after the City game. "Normally wingers want to do their own thing but he is tactically improving every day.

"I am certain over the next few years that he will develop into a very good footballer. We just have to make sure that we keep the pressure off him. He certainly won't be going on loan and I believe that if we can help and nurture him in the right way, then he will be a very good player for Liverpool."

Sterling is now set to start against Hearts again this Thursday, when Liverpool take the SPL side on in their Europa League play-off second leg.

"These sorts of games (Europa League) are good for him and it was also an easy decision to start him against City," said Rodgers. "For a 17-year-old playing against the champions I thought his performance was fantastic. He has a long way to go because he has got to be consistent. That is something I'll keep a close eye on."