Sterling should stay at Liverpool, says Cole

10 December 2012 11:51

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has told team-mate Raheem Sterling he is at the right club to have success.

Sterling's impressive form this season earned him a call-up to the England senior squad aged just 17 but discussions over a new contract with the Merseyside club have continued to stall.

But, after the 18-year-old starred in Liverpool's 3-2 win over West Ham United on Sunday, Cole has insisted his fellow attacker should stay put at Anfield.

"It was a great pass from Raheem for my goal," Cole told the club's website. "That's what he's capable of. He is a real livewire and is always a threat.

"He never stops running and working hard for the team and never looks tired, and for an 18-year-old kid that's unbelievable. He is going to be a top player and he is at the right club to do that."

Cole also reserved praise for 20-year-old Jonjo Shelvey, who led the line for Liverpool in the absence of the suspended Luis Suarez.

"Jonjo is such a clever player and he was a credit to the team today," Cole said. "He worked his socks off, he held the line and he was always a threat."