Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard
Sterling has paid tribute to Gerrard.

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has paid tribute to captain Steven Gerrard for inspiring the finest campaign of his short career.

The 19 year old has scored nine Premier League goals in 22 starts in the top flight this season, performances which saw him nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year and is expected to result in selection in Roy Hodgson's England squad for the World Cup.

Sterling is one of a number of younger players in a Liverpool squad which has staged a bid for the Premier League this season and the England international has attributed his success to the marshalling of captain Gerrard – the elder-statesmen of the Reds squad.

"He's been there, he's done it and he knows what it's like coming through and being put under pressure," Sterling said.

"I think he's just advised me to be calm and take it as it goes. He's given me really good advice that I've taken on board and learned from, and it's really helped me. He's a good person to have around you."

"To play at such a big club like Liverpool is a real dream come true for me, and obviously to play with the likes of Gerrard and [Luis] Suarez is sometimes hard to believe."

Though Gerrard's attempts to claim a first career league title appear destined to fail, with Manchester City now favourites for the crown, the England captain has been crucial to Liverpool's season once again.

Gerrard's current contract at Liverpool expires in 2015 but manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted the club will look to retain the 33 year old.

"Steven will be one we look to get a contract to in the summer," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. "I believe Steven will play beyond 2015. He is a player who has really shown his qualities this season. He has dropped into a new position and played it seamlessly.

"It's one where he has been brilliant for me as a captain and as a player this season and I would like that to continue. His intelligence in the game is second to none. He is improving all the time. It's one where he has been brilliant for me as a captain and as a player this season and I would like that to continue."

Liverpool FC