Pounds Sterling! Rodgers reveals how much Raheem earned at Liverpool

In an interview with English publication 'The Daily Express', the Celtic boss claimed that exorbitant wages and the idea of 'too much too young' is a key reason why so many talented youngsters fail to reach their potential these days and revealed how he tried to help England international Sterling avoid those problems.

"There is one common denominator when it comes to young players falling by the wayside - money," Rodgers explained.

"It distorts reality, it changes people. I'm always cautious of that.

"I had Raheem Sterling playing for England and a regular in the Liverpool first team on £2000 per week.

"I couldn't do it any longer than about the November time because he was absolutely brilliant, so we had to get him on a different contract.

"But I stretched it out as long as I could."

The Northern Irishman went on to advocate a patient approach when it comes to rewarding youngsters with new deals.

"With young players, one, they have to earn it and, two, you don't go overboard with them because they have played a couple of good games," he said.

"Stay calm. See how consistent and professional they are, and if they are doing well they will always get rewarded.

"Let them get some games in their legs and go from there."

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