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Raheem Sterling more positive thanks to Dr Steve Peters

By Mark Ashenden

Sunday 29 May 2016 22:58, UK

Raheem Sterling goal celeb, 3-2, Manchester City v Borussia Monchengladbach, Champions League
Image: Raheem Sterling is desperate to impress this summer at Euro 2016

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling is in a more positive state of mind for Euro 2016 after working with sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters.

The 21-year-old has had a tough time in his maiden season at the Etihad Stadium following his £49m move from Liverpool and has struggled to reproduce his best form.

But having sought help off the pitch from Peters, who has worked with England since the 2014 World Cup, as well as Liverpool and snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan, Sterling feels much better.

"Really it has been about me getting in a positive mindset with the staff here, Dr Steve Peters, and getting my mentality stronger," said the winger.

"He has definitely helped me. I have been seeing him here with the national team. Most of the boys do.

"He just gets it into your head that mentality is key and a strong part of it is blocking certain things out and focusing singularly on your football.

"I have been working on that. He was with us at Liverpool and since I moved to City I didn't have a chance to work with him. So since I joined up with England I have started speaking to him, it is a real bonus for me."

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England's Marcus Rashford celebrates
Image: England's Marcus Rashford has impressed Sterling

Sterling is by no means guaranteed a starting place in Roy Hodgson's line-up so he knows he has to work hard to regain the spark he had at Anfield.

"The competition for places is really fierce," he added.

"There are loads of players with ability here so no one can take anything for granted. That is one thing I am not doing."

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Sterling was 19 when he went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil so he knows what Manchester United teenager Marcus Rashford will be feeling after he scored on his senior debut against Australia to give Hodgson food for thought ahead of his final cut to the squad on Tuesday.

"I would say to [Rashford] to keep on doing what he is doing," added Sterling.

"He is humble around the place and quiet and I like that. He has been really eager since he joined up. He has been friendly with everyone and he's really nice to have around."