Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that everyone has been 'surprised' by the impact of teen starlet Raheem Sterling in the Merseyside team.

The 17-year-old, who has edged into the first team this season under manager Brendan Rodgers, recorded his first Premier League goal for the Reds in a 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday.

"I think he has been a great surprise to everyone. Not that he is doing so well at this level but I don't think anyone expected him to break through so early," said Gerrard.

"I think we all knew he was going to be good enough to play for the first team but when they are young and small and that size sometimes you need to take a little bit extra care.

"They get used towards the end of the season to give them a taste but the manager has come in, seen what he has done in pre-season and said he is ready now. He hasn't let anyone down and he's been sensational so far."

Sterling is now the second-youngest scorer in Liverpool's Premier League history behind Michael Owen.