Raheem Sterling urged to sign long-term Liverpool deal by Steven Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has told team-mate Raheem Sterling to commit his future to the club.

SOFIA, BULGARIA - Wednesday, November 26, 2014: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling after their 2-2 draw with PFC Ludogorets Razgrad during the UEFA Champions League Group B match at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Despite his current deal having two and a half seasons to run, Sterling has seen his contract situation at Anfield become a talking point.

Sterling's versatility in being able to operate as a striker has provided under-pressure boss Brendan Rodgers with a welcome boost, and Gerrard hopes to see the 20-year-old stick around for a lot longer.

He told a number of national newspapers: "I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years.

"He's going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top, top player here so I hope the people around him give him the right advice because he should stay here.

"He's great to watch, great to play with, he's got that pace. When you look up he's always giving you an option and that's what I've thrived on throughout my career at Liverpool with the likes of Fernando Torres, Michael Owen.

"There's nothing better as a midfielder when you look up and see pace running in behind. I saw it on numerous occasions [against Bournemouth in midweek] and hopefully it will continue because it stretches teams and creates chances."

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 17, 2014: Liverpool's Raheem Sterling in action against Bournemouth during the Football League Cup 5th Round match at Dean Court. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Sterling's brace in a 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Wednesday was a real pressure reliever after a run of poor results.

His finishing was also impressive, having squandered a number of clear-cut chances at Manchester United on Sunday.

"You've got to be able to have that [versatility] in your locker if you want to be top drawer," added Gerrard.

"Raheem's got potential to be top drawer for sure. He took a lot of stick after the weekend but I thought his all-round performance was magnificent, the only thing that was missing was a finish and that came [against Bournemouth].

"The exciting thing for all of us is that he's English and going to be a top, top player. I think he can play anywhere along the front, he's that intelligent. He's got to keep learning, he's got to keep wanting it."

PA