Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted to his 'tough love' relationship with Raheem Sterling.

The 17-year-old scored his first-ever goal for the Reds in their 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday, and has earned mass plaudits since he burst onto the scene.

However, while Sterling receives praise from some corners of the game, Rodgers concedes that he doesn't always opt for the same approach to the England international.

"Yes, there's some tough love going on, because he's still got an awful long way to go," Rodgers told The Mirror.

"We want to have him here as a legend for many years. We don't want him at 17 years of age getting carried away with all the adulation and then at 21 he's washed up and everyone wants him out.

"The biggest thing with me is just maintaining the hunger he has now. When he has that and he's learning and developing he can be a really top player. There's a long way to go but he's been a revelation."

Liverpool currently sit 12th in the table.