England boss Roy Hodgson insists Raheem Sterling will improve at Manchester City

England manager Roy Hodgson has suggested that Raheem Sterling will improve as a result of his move to Manchester City.

The 20-year-old moved to the former Premier League champions for £49m from Liverpool after a draining transfer saga which lasted several months.

The winger has received a hostile reception by opposition supporters on City's pre-season tour, but Hodgson insists he is capable of dealing with the negativity.

He is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail: "These things, if anything, will make him stronger. He has a got big price tag to carry around, but I think he is a good enough player to do so.

"I think it will help him to mature and improve even more. I think for his age he is a remarkably strong and robust person, not just physically on the field but mentally."

Sterling could make his competitive debut for City against West Bromwich Albion in two weeks' time.