Liverpool's young winger Raheem Sterling has insisted he has plenty to learn to make the grade at Liverpool.
Sterling started the season as a crucial component of Brendan Rodgers plans, but ever since a hotly debated contract deal was signed before Christmas the player has gone off the boil - and been edged out of the side by an improving Downing, Henderson and new arrivals Sturridge and Coutinho.
Sterling, who is also involved in a legal matter away from football, spoke to the Daily Mirror about the demands of life at Liverpool.
"I've had to do quite a bit of growing up, to keep my head down, and I understand completely I haven't made it yet - as a young player you've just got to keep working hard all the time.
"I understand the situation, and hopefully I can get on the bench and then make an impact coming off the bench. That is the way to keep progressing, to try and get a chance and then to take it.
"I don't feel an added pressure. I can't try and overdo it. I've got to play my normal game and hopefully that will work out.
"I've been in the gym a few times a week. Size isn't an issue as long as you can hold your own on the pitch, but I am working hard to improve all the time
"I want to work on my long-distance shooting and my decision making. I want to make the first team grade, because I think everyone who plays for Liverpool has to pinch themselves now and again.
"It's a dream come true for all the players. You've got to realise that it's real, kick on with it, work hard and try to do your best for the football club."
Raheem Sterling has made 35 appearances for Liverpool - grabbing two goals in the process.
he is a good and upcoming star for lfc (even though he runs like a duck) the only problem is that Brenda insisted on playing him week in week out yet Kenny played him within his limits and had the best out of him.
Brenda has got to go in order to keep our stars (young and old) preserved and to play our best teams in all copms that we play in. The guy is a prat and has achieved less than our last 3 managers have in everything we play for. Sack him NOW and get someone who knows what LFC means