Sterling makes impression on debut

“We didn’t expect this – it’s a game between AS Roma and Manchester City in Australia”, the Frenchman added.

20-year-old Sterling scored on his debut for City in a pre-season friendly against Roma on Tuesday and Balotelli appeared to back Sterling, who has received heavy criticism from Liverpool fans and former players including Jamie Carragher.

Iheanacho continued his impressive display with a fine finish following a defensive error after 51 minutes, but Adem Ljajic’s free kick four minutes from time sent the game to penalties.

Aleksandar Kolarov missed for City but goalkeeper Joe Hart came to the rescue, saving from Seydou Doumbia and Seydou Keita and impressively smashing one in himself.

He was desperately unlucky not to create a second goal before being substituted at halftime, garnering no sympathy from Australian referee Jarred Gillett despite a forceful challenge from Alessandro Florenzi that took out the Englishman’s legs.

Sterling, the most expensive English footballer in history, took just two minutes and 17 seconds to open his account for the big-spending English club in the global Champions Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Miralem Pjanic equalised for the Italian side shortly afterwards with a wonderful long-range strike but City dominated in the first period, their attacking players zipping imaginatively around David Silva, who controlled the first period with his elegantly deadly touches and movement.

“We just have to let him play and he will show how talented he is”.

Sterling was jeered during his first appearance for Manchester City [GETTY] “We didn’t expect anything like that from these fans, so it is a little surprise”.

“It s important to score, particularly early in the game, and he only played 45 minutes after having just a few days working with the team”, manager Manuel Pellegrini said of Sterling s performance. “He demonstrates why he’s here, not only as player now but I think he will improve a lot in the future, playing with Yaya, Silva and Aguero”.

The Three Lions stopper scored one and saved twice City ran out 5-4 victors.

“I don’t think it’s too serious but he can’t work at the same level as the rest of the squad”.

“I am very happy for him and I am very happy for our team for buying him”.