Brendan Rodgers back Raheem Sterling selection

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Raheem Sterling for his performance against Manchester City.

The 17-year-old was a surprise starter for the Reds but put in a commendable display as his side were held 2-2 at Anfield.

Afterwards, Rodgers insisted that it wasn't a hard choice to start the winger.

"It was an easy decision [to start Sterling]," Rodgers said. "I said when I first came here, I won't judge people on their status or what they've done, it's about what I see now in front of me and he's a young player who's improved every single day since I came in here.

"He was a player who played on his own, in the one v one. You look at him now, playing for the team, his tactical understanding playing against a really experienced player. He was blocking the line of pass, he was pressing at the right time, he was coming back to block the lines inside.

"For a 17-year-old, playing against the champions, I thought his performance was fantastic. He has got a long way to go, because he has got to be consistent, and that's something I'll keep a close eye on."

Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield next Sunday.