Manchester City star Raheem Sterling backed by Fabian Delph to rediscover his form after struggling for England
Winger hasn't enjoyed the greatest of times under Gareth Southgate recently with World Cup in Russia on the horizon
FABIAN DELPH expects Raheem Sterling to brush off his England woe and scare the life out of Manchester City’s rivals.
The former Liverpool man, 22, was handed another chance to shine by Gareth Southgate against Slovenia but failed to take it.
Sterling was hooked late on with the game still goalless and England went on to grab a late winner to cement their place in Russia.
He did not feature in the win in Lithuania three days later and returns to the Etihad ready for a busy three weeks, with City facing seven games during that spell.
It is not the first time he has returned from a stint with the Three Lions which has not gone to plan — but his England and City team-mate Delph says Sterling never lets it affect him.
Delph said: “Because he’s such a talented player they expect him to be the main man and do everything perfectly, every time. Raheem hasn’t got a problem with that, he doesn’t get down.
“He’s not a confidence player but a young guy who is out there happy to be playing. Whether he is having a good or bad day, he will always give 100 per cent.
"That’s one of the strengths of his character and one of the things I really appreciate and admire when I see it. He’s committed and wants to do well whenever he is asked to do well.”
Delph is convinced that playing in a star-studded City team will only benefit Sterling. And the midfielder believes it is ‘scary’ how good his team-mate will be if and when he reaches his potential.
Delph added: “I’ve always seen him as world-class talent, a world-class player and it’s scary that he’s going to get even better. I’m not sure what his stats were last season but think he got ten goals, 15 assists and that speaks for itself.
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“He is on six goals now and I can see him getting more than he did last season and more assists too. The way the team plays he can do that.
“He really is going to keep improving as a player, especially at this team. He is still only 22 and can still develop and improve. But he’s a phenomenal talent, a great asset to the team and great around the place.”
Delph and Sterling both arrived at the Etihad in summer 2015 but Delph had admired him for years before then.
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And he is backing the youngster to continue his promising early-season form — then star at the World Cup next summer.
Delph said: “There’s a big thing over Raheem for me. I’ve seen him do what he’s doing now for years.
“From his Liverpool days to since he came here. I’ve always seen him as a game-changer and a massive talent
“He’s just an all-round top guy. He’s so young — so there’s more to come. As for the World Cup, every tournament is a stage for him to shine.”