Raheem Sterling

[baitman]

I think it might be worth putting players like Sterling on the bench and getting their adrenaline going.

Give them a sample of what it is he and others are striving towards. They may not be in form, but if they have the talent, now is the time to galvanise them, and what better way than putting them on the bench and bringing them on for a few minutes.

spot on. it would not only be an incentive to sterling, but also other reserves who would then see some light at the end of the tunnel. otherwise, whats the point.

[Kenneth]

Like the last 15 mins when 2 up at QPR ?

[Chazza]

Raheem Sterling in contention for a place on Liverpool FC bench v Wigan

RAHEEM STERLING could be promoted to Liverpool’s first team squad for today’s Premier League clash with Wigan at Anfield.

The talented young winger is in contention to be named among the substitutes for the visit of Roberto Martinez’s strugglers.

Sterling, who scored for the reserves against Arsenal on Tuesday, has only narrowly missed out on a place in the 18-man matchday squad in recent weeks.

With Charlie Adam sidelined with a knee injury he suffered at Loftus Road in midweek and Martin Kelly (ankle) also struggling, together with the continued absence of Craig Bellamy, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger, the Reds’ options are depleted.

Kenny Dalglish could turn to the 17-year-old who will be hoping to make his long-awaited debut two years after signing for Liverpool from QPR.

The manager says any youngster at the Academy looking to make the step up must earn the right with their performances and warned he won’t bow to pressure from outside the club.

“Whether someone is 17 or 27, it doesn’t many any difference,” Dalglish said.

“But whether you want to be involved doesn’t mean to say you should be involved. You have to deserve to be involved.

“The deserving bit is the most important thing and we will decide if anyone deserves to be involved, not anybody else. You earn the right to a run out by what you do on the pitch, not by what’s said in newspapers.

“Our young players have progressed because of the way they have been looked after.

“Raheem has progressed the same as a lot of young players have progressed and that’s testimony to the people at the Academy as well as the individuals. Our circumstances might dictate they have to be involved.”

Dalglish has already shown he’s fully prepared to put his faith in youth.

Last season Academy duo Jon Flanagan and Jack Robinson both enjoyed a run in the first team, while the likes of Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey have also gained senior experience.

With Liverpool highly unlikely to secure Champions League qualification there have been calls for the manager to use the remaining league games to give more youngsters game-time but he insists the timing has to be right for both the club and the player.

“We had Robbo and Flanno come through last year and then there’s Jonjo and Kells as well,” Dalglish added.

“Their development has happened because they were looked after.

“If we were in a better position we would maybe have allowed a few of the boys to go out on loan somewhere.

“But we’re not in a position like that because we don’t have the players available to cover for them to go out on loan.

“That would have been part of their development and part of the progress for us to have them back as good professional footballers. They had to stay here because of the position we are in with injuries. We hope it doesn’t stunt their development.

“For any youngsters in the squad here, they have only got there because we have managed them, either at the Academy or here. We have to continue to manage them properly.

“If it’s right for someone to play and they deserve to play then they will have a game but only if it’s right for us.

“There comes a time when you have to take the nappies off them and see if they have got it.”

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2012/03/24/raheem-sterling-in-contention-for-a-place-on-liverpool-fc-bench-v-wigan-100252-30613320/2/#ixzz1q1OESF45

[baitman]

maybe kenny is a lurker on EST

[JohnDoe]

I'll stick my neck out and say that within 15 minutes of game time, Sterling will establish himself as our best winger.

[lickedlollipop]

sterling on the bench? dream on

[Phoenix07]

I'll stick my neck out and say that within 15 minutes of game time, Sterling will establish himself as our best winger.

I hope so. He has all the attributes to succeed. He just needs a gentle kick up the arse.

[Rocky Sullivan]

we need to do this, its no use having all this talent yet not giving them any chances.

[Chris]

He's not in the next gen team for this mornings game...

[Craig_H]

That's about as strong a hint as possible.

[Bender]

we need to give the mini john barnes a go ....could make a huge difference

[Lee]

That's about as strong a hint as possible.

Yup, I'd say so.

Makes sense for the lad to get 30 minutes against Wigan.

Can't believe it was two years ago when we signed him.

[Daniel 7]

Lot if tweeting that he's included!

[TheElephantMan]

I'd love him to do well, just don't think he's ready yet. Only one way to find out I suppose.

[southern red]

Interestingly, Suso is also not playing in the NextGen match either