Sterling hails Gerrard

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has paid tribute to Steven Gerrard describing the Reds captain as an "inspiration".

The 18-year-old has been a regular in Brendan Rodgers' staring XI this season, with his performances earning a call-up to the England squad for the recent friendly against Sweden. Gerrard is Sterling's leader for both club and country and the Jamaican-born teenager, who joined from QPR in February 2010, cannot speak highly enough of his skipper.

"He has been brilliant for me. He's always looking after me, always checking to see if I'm alright," Sterling told the Mirror. "I've noticed as well that if anyone touches me on the pitch, he'll always get them straight back with a tackle. He's always looking after me, on the pitch, off the pitch."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2013, All Rights Reserved.