Brendan Rodgers tips Raheem Sterling for Young Player of the Year gong

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that he will be "shocked" if Raheem Sterling misses out on the Young Player of the Year award.

The 19-year-old is in the running for the accolade alongside Reds teammate Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, Southampton teenager Luke Shaw and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.

Sterling scored twice in Sunday's 3-2 win against Norwich City to take his tally for the season up to nine, and the Reds boss says that the youngster deserves the gong.

He told reporters: "If he doesn't win Young Player of the Year, I'll be shocked.

"He's always had the talent but I've been really pleased with his maturity. He's put an awful lot of time into his work.

"We've tried to play him in different positions to improve his intelligence. He's got that belief he can be a really good player and he's really humble."

The Reds are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League.