Jamie Carragher has implored Raheem Sterling to simply do what he does best and perform on the pitch.

The 20-year old Liverpool star has become embroiled in negative incidents recently stemming from an unsanctioned interview regarding his contract with the BBC as well as being seen smoking a shisha pipe and taking nitrous oxide.

On Monday night, Sterling scored a brilliant goal in the ninth minute as the Reds brushed off Newcastle United 2-0 at Anfield and it is this type of occurrence that former defender Carragher would rather see from the England international, not his recent misdemeanours.

He said on Sky Sports' 'Monday Night Football': "I think he's going to have a long and successful career, a super player. We've seen signs of that with Liverpool and England.

"There's no doubt over the last six to 12 months, that in years to come he will look back on this period as a massive learning curve.

"You make mistakes at that age, I did, we all do. It's just important that we learn from them. Raheem Sterling needs to be on the back pages, not the front pages.

"That's a problem for him in the last few months, hopefully he learns from them. He's going to be a great talent.

"He's one of Liverpool's best attacking players. But forget the contract and money, the best way to prove your worth and keep the fans off your back is just perform. Play well.

"Don't tell people how good you are, show them."