Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has claimed that he scouted 'street footballer' Raheem Sterling while the Liverpool winger was playing for Queens Park Rangers.
Sterling, who started his youth career with QPR, will likely start in Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Villa tomorrow afternoon.
Sherwood, who joined the Tottenham Hotspur coaching staff in 2008, remembers how he recommended a young Sterling to Spurs and is aware of the threat he will pose Villa at Wembley.
"He's a great talent and has a real winner's mentality. He is someone we have to watch and show a lot of respect," said Sherwood, according to The Mirror.
"He's a street footballer. They're a dying breed, because society doesn't allow for kids to go out and play. He is a dribbler who dribbled down the alleyways.
"I saw him playing when he was about 14 for Brent, when he was at QPR. Everyone was trying to get him. Liverpool were the fortunate ones. I am not sure Tottenham wanted to spend the money that was asked at the time."
Liverpool have lost just one FA Cup semi-final in their last nine outings.
