Sterling rises as Reds plan Euro inflation

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish insists he does not have to manage the expectations of youngsters like Raheem Sterling as they have every right to enjoy first-team exposure.

The five-goal star of Monday’s 9-0 FA Youth Cup demolition of Southend was included in the squad which travelled for the Europa League last-32 tie against Sparta Prague, while the injured Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger were left behind.

If he plays tonight, Sterling would become the club’s youngest first-team player, at 16 years and 71 days.

However, fellow youth team members John Flanagan, Conor Coady, Tom Ince and Jack Robinson – who currently holds the youngest player record at 16 years and 250 days – were also on the flight.

“It is fantastic for Raheem to be involved, as it is for the other lads,” Dalglish said. “It is a fantastic occasion for the youth team lads. We want to make sure they feel part and parcel of the club and they are there because they deserve to be.

“We will be sensible with the kids. We don’t have to manage the expectations of anyone other than the media, they are the ones who have blown it out of proportion.”

And Dalglish joked: “We’ve got a babysitter organised for Raheem in the hotel tonight. He’s got to do his homework before he goes to sleep so we’ll make sure he continues to get his education.”

Sterling is still at school, attending Rainhill High in Prescot, but was able to travel to Prague as it is currently the half-term holidays.

Tonight’s match will be the first time Dalglish has taken charge of a Liverpool team in European competition.

The 59-year-old won the European Cup three times in seven years as a player but the ban on English clubs following the Heysel disaster in 1985 meant he could not extend that run as during his first stint as Reds manager.

Dalglish said: “It is a great honour for me to be involved with Liverpool, irrespective of the competition, but to be involved in Europe gives that extra little plus.”

Sparta coach Jozef Chovanec concedes his side are underdogs for the two-legged tie despite Liverpool’s injury problems.

“Liverpool are a strong side and I don’t think the absence of one player can have an impact on the team,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool owner Tom Hicks will discover today whether he will be able to launch massive damages claims in the US courts over the sale of the club.

Hicks believes he was the victim of an “epic swindle” when the club was sold against his wishes to New England Sports Ventures last year for £300million.