Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he will not stand in the way of youngster Raheem Sterling pursuing his England "dream".

The 17-year-old is believed to have caught the eye of senior Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson and the winger is in contention to make his debut for the side in next week's international friendly against Sweden.

"I wouldn't have any worries," the Liverpool Echo quotes Rodgers as saying. "He's in capable hands I'm sure, and he would have senior players around him.

"It's very difficult to hold him back. This is the dream for him. I'm sure he wants to play for his country, he has played through the age levels."

The Liverpool starlet was born in Jamaica and since he has not played for either senior team, he still has the option of representing either nation.