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Sterling staying grounded with mum

Raheem Sterling cleaned his living room a couple of days ago © PA Photos

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Raheem Sterling has said housework and tellings-off from his mum are keeping his feet on the ground.

The Liverpool winger has become a regular fixture in the first-team squad, signed a lucrative five-year deal and made his England debut since his club debut against Wigan 11 months ago.

Born in Jamaica but raised in London, Sterling has not let success go to his head because his mother Nadine, who moved to Liverpool when her son signed at Anfield in 2010, will not allow it.

The 18-year-old told the club's official website: "She talks to me about the games and training, making sure that everything goes smoothly. If I score or make an assist, she'll tell me that I need to keep doing it.

"I get told off all the time. She tells me off for being lazy, for not helping around the house, but I'm becoming better at that. She gives me stick, but I do my bit.

"She wants me to brush the stairs and help out in the kitchen. It is hard work. I cleaned the living room a couple of days ago."

Sterling, who left Jamaica when he was five, admits he had to grow up quickly after breaking into the Liverpool first team.

"I've had to do quite a bit of growing up, to keep my head down. I can't do things I did before my debut, going to different places. I am monitoring my time better and making sure I get loads of rest," he explained.

Sterling has not started any of the last five Premier League games following the arrivals of Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho, and said: "As a young player, you've just got to work hard. Hopefully I can get on the bench and then make an impact. Hopefully I can get a chance and take it. I don't feel added pressure. I've got to play my normal game, and hopefully that will work out."

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