Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Raheem Sterling scores two goals in central striker role for Liverpool

Raheem Sterling said he enjoyed playing in a central striking role after his two goals helped Liverpool move into the Capital One Cup semifinals with a convincing 3-1 win at Bournemouth.

Sterling was criticised for missing clear-cut chances in last Sunday's 3-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, yet his manager Brendan Rodgers kept faith with the 20-year-old by selecting him as his lead striker for the cup tie at Dean Court.

Sterling's goals were his first for Liverpool since the 3-1 defeat against West Ham in September and he admitted he relished the chance to show what he could do in an unfamiliar position.

"I like playing up there," Sterling told Sky Sports after he ended a 17-game scoring drought. "I don't mind wherever the manager plays me, I'll try and do a job for the team. I'll always put 100 percent in and it was no different playing up front.

"I've not played up there for a long time, since youth team days. I'm happy to do a role for the team. The most important was for the team to win and obviously I am happy to be involved in and amongst the goals, but so long as the team win I'm happy."

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana paid tribute to Sterling's performance, as his display set-up a last-four clash against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

"The little man was brilliant and week after week he works hard and eventually the rewards will come," said Lallana of his England teammate Sterling. "He is so mature for such a young age.

"I thought we came out and controlled the game well, passed the ball around and were patient against a very good Bournemouth team who are top of the Championship. They are not top of their league for nothing, so it was a really good win for us."

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