Liverpool wonderkid Raheem Sterling is in contention to become the club’s youngest ever player after being named in the squad for tomorrow’s Europa Cup tie.
The schoolboy, who only turned 16 in December, is being rewarded for his sensational form in Liverpool’s reserve and youth team which culminated in a blistering performance on Monday.
Facing Southend in an Under 18 cup tie, Sterling scored FIVE times as the Reds ran out emphatic 9-0 winners at Anfield.
Sterling will now travel with the senior team to the Czech Republic later this morning for Liverpool’s Europa Cup tie against Sparta Prague. He’s only allowed to travel by virtue that his school, Rainhill High School on Merseyside, is on half-term.
If he plays, he will be just 16 years and 79 days old – easily displacing Jack Robinson as the club’s youngest ever player who made his debut last season at 16 years and 250 days.
Sterling, who was born in Jamaica but raised in London, signed for Liverpool last season from QPR in a deal which could be worth up to £5 million.
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore said on Monday night that coaches have likened Sterling to Michael Owen who burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced 17-year-old in 1997.
Watch the 9-0 romp (Liverpool FC’s website)
Video: Sterling’s first goal against Southend
