Ibe: Raheem has set the example for me
Jordon Ibe insists he is ready to follow the example set by Raheem Sterling and attempt to establish himself as a regular member of Liverpool's first-team squad in 2014-15.
Sterling will depart from England's pre-World Cup training camp in Portugal today after an outstanding season in which he fired 10 goals in 38 appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side.
It's a lead Ibe is eager to shadow as he aims to take the next step in his career.
The 18-year-old told the Liverpool Echo: "Raheem has done extremely well. He's kicked on to another level this season. I'm really happy for him, and hopefully he can continue playing at that level with Liverpool and with England.
"He's someone I look up to, definitely. He plays in a similar position and he's a similar age. He's someone I watch in training and try to learn from in the way he plays.
"I watch Raheem, Daniel Sturridge and the other attacking players in training. I just try to learn from them, improve myself and hopefully if and when I get my chance in the first team I will be ready to take it."
Ibe made three first-team appearances for Liverpool before spending the latter part of 2013-14 on loan at Birmingham City, where he helped them preserve their Championship status.
"It was a great experience," he reflected. "To play in the Championship and to see how it is, the pressure that you are under, was really good for my development.
"You're playing every week, and in great stadiums up and down the country, and every game really matters.
"I learnt a lot at Birmingham, and my hope now is that I can bring what I learnt back to Liverpool. I'll be back for pre-season now and ready to go next season hopefully."
Ibe was in superb form as Liverpool secured a 4-0 victory in a post-season friendly with Shamrock Rovers in Ireland last week.
Like Sterling, the No.33 was asked to operate both wide and centrally - and he did so to devastating effect, claiming two assists.
Ibe said: "I enjoyed it. It's new to me, but I like to play in the free role and have the freedom to move around, so it suited me.
"It was a new experience for me, the manager challenged me to show what I can do in that position and I enjoyed myself.
"It was a great experience to play in the Aviva in front of so many supporters. It's a great stadium and the fans were terrific. I thought it was a great match, and I was just happy to help the team. I was disappointed to miss a few chances, but I can't be too down. I set up two of the goals, and I thought the team played well. It was nice for me to get the man of the match award too."