Sterling in no rush to replace Gerrard as Liverpool talisman

Young Liverpool striker Raheem Sterling is the reluctant hero as Liverpool fans search for a successor to Steven Gerrard as Anfield's new idol.

England forward Sterling, 20, already carries on his shoulders the burden of being the Reds' main attacking threat and his load will only increase when the 34-year-old Gerrard leaves, reports mirror.co.uk.

Gerrard's departure in the summer for Los Angeles Galaxy will leave Sterling as Liverpool's star player.

Sterling says he tries not to dwell on all this and is focused on helping the team win.

"I try not to think about that too much. Everyone in the team contributes and I'm no different. We are a team," he said.

"I'm not trying to pick up a 'main-man status' this season. As long as the team wins and we get good performances, that's all that matters to me."

Sterling has shown his importance to Liverpool over the last few weeks and he has sparked their revival in his new central striking role.