‘Sterling can blossom at Liverpool’

Jordan Henderson hopes team-mate Raheem Sterling will settle his contract dispute with Liverpool, where he could “blossom as a player”.

The winger has rejected a new deal but Reds boss Brendan Rogers expects the 20-year-old to see out the remaining two years of his contract at Anfield.

Henderson, who could play alongside Sterling for England on tomorrow, also dismissed criticism of his team-mate. “He isn’t who people think he is,” said the 24-year-midfielder.

Sterling has caused controversy by rejecting a new £100,000-a-week contract with the club while his agent Aidy Ward reportedly said the player will not sign a new deal even if he was offered “£900,000 a week”.

Henderson, speaking to Radio 5 Live’s John Murray, said: “He gets a bit of criticism because of how things have been dealt with, but I know him better as a person.

“I couldn’t fault him as a person or a player. He’s a great lad and gives everything for the team.

“For such a young lad he’s so mature and doesn’t let the outside world affect him.

“His work ethic is amazing. He’s improving all the time. I hope we can keep him at Liverpool for many years, he can blossom here and become a top player.” — BBC Sport