Raheem Sterling is raring to get going again

LIVERPOOL winger Raheem Sterling is ready to fly once again when the new Premier League season starts.

Rodgers believes a summer of recuperation has been beneficial to Sterling, above

Manager Brendan Rodgers is confident Sterling will begin the new campaign with the impact he did last season and then maintain a higher standard throughout.

Sterling, who is becoming a Kop hero with his speedy, attacking play, was handed a surprise start against Manchester City last August aged just 17. He then became a crowd favourite by starting the next 15 matches, during which time he also made his full England debut.

After signing his first major contract he remained a key part of Rodgers' first-team plans until injury saw his season ended in late March.

But Rodgers believes a summer of recuperation has been beneficial and expects even more from the player this time around.

Rodgers is willing to give Sterling another chance

“I thought he was outstanding the other night against an Indonesia XI when he played really well.”

Brendan Rodgers

He has already showed that Rodgers is right to have faith in him with goals in both of Liverpool's friendlies so far.

Rodgers said: "I thought he was outstanding the other night against an Indonesia XI when he played really well.

"He's come back refreshed. He did work over the course of pre-season and was back and forward from his holidays into Melwood preparing himself well.

"He looks so fit, he looks sharp, he looks better than last summer when I came in and I think he'll play a big part for us again this season."