England Under-21 coach Brian Eastick believes Raheem Sterling

England Under-21 coach Brian Eastick believes Raheem Sterling is benefiting from Brendan Rodgers' decision to rest him at Liverpool.

Raheem Sterling has committed his long-term future to Liverpool

Sterling, 18, has enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season and made his senior England debut in November, before signing a lucrative long-term deal at Anfield the following month.

He has already made 35 appearances for the Reds to date this campaign but has not featured for over a month after manager Rodgers noticed the teenager was becoming jaded.

It was a move that has seemingly paid dividends, with the winger looking rejuvenated in England Under-21's 3-0 defeat of Romania on Thursday night.

Steven Gerrard believes that youngster Raheem Sterling has everything he needs to become a great at the club.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that youngster Raheem Sterling has everything he needs to become a great at the club.

Raheem Sterling scores for Liverpool against Reading

Sterling, 17, who has become a first-team regular this season, scored his first senior goal as Reading were beaten 1-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

It was the latest step in the remarkable rise of the teenager, who has become one of the most exciting prospects in English football since making his debut for Liverpool in March.

He is also making rapid strides at international level. Having started the season in the England Under-19 set-up, Sterling made his Under-21 debut less than two weeks ago, and is in the frame to win his first full cap in a friendly against Sweden next month.

Brendan Rodgers is certain that Liverpool teenager Raheem Sterling's surprise England call-up won't go to his head.

Brendan Rodgers is certain that Liverpool teenager Raheem Sterling's surprise England call-up won't go to his head.

Raheem Sterling has represented England at under-17 and under-19 level

Instead, Rodgers believes that Sterling's rapid rise will act as an inspiration to the club's Academy players.

England manager Roy Hodgson called up the 17-year-old for Tuesday night's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley after Theo Walcott withdrew due to illness.

Sterling, who made his Liverpool debut against Wigan in March, didn't get on to the pitch at Wembley, but his selection still raised eyebrows, given that he has never played for England above Under-19 level.

Brendan Rodgers has warned against the dangers of fast-tracking Raheem Sterling through the international levels.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has warned against the dangers of fast-tracking Raheem Sterling through the international levels.

Raheem Sterling: His club boss is cautious over his international future

Sterling, 17, will make his first appearance for England Under-19s against Germany on Thursday, his reward for impressive performances against Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League this season, having been handed a starting berth by Rodgers.

His impact at Anfield this season has seen him described as a potential future England international, but Rodgers is adamant that he is not yet ready for Under-21 football, let alone the senior team.

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.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has declared that winger Raheem Stirling

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has declared that winger Raheem Stirling has a "big future" at the club after impressing in the Reds' 1-0 Europa League victoryover Hearts.

Raheem Sterling impressed for Liverpool against Hearts

Sterling, 17, joined the club from QPR's youth set-up in 2010 and has emerged as one of Liverpool's most promising young players in recent years.

The Jamaica-born winger was the star performer as Brendan Rodgers' side toiled for a narrow victory on Thursday, with Andy Webster's 79th-minute own goal giving the Reds an advantage for next Thursday's second leg at Anfield.