Raheem: I'm glad I've come out of my shell
On Tuesday night, Raheem Sterling spoke about learning from Liverpool's leading players - and today the youngster reflects on getting to know and feeling comfortable around the same stars of the side.
Sterling accepted the Young Player of the Year prize at the inaugural Players' Awards Dinner earlier in the week, and he took to the stage to laud the influence of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
The 19-year-old was making another acceptance speech on Thursday, scooping the Standard Chartered Player of the Month accolade at the club's Melwood training base for his exploits in April.
And as he expressed gratitude to the supporters who overwhelmingly voted him for the honour ahead of Steven Gerrard, Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, Sterling spoke of his new-found confidence.
He talked about a sense of self-assurance, both on a personal and a footballing level, which has helped him sparkle in a Liverpool team that has surpassed all expectations this season.
"I'm just glad I have come out of my shell and I'm a bit more open with some of the team," Sterling told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I'm a bit more confident and it's really shown in some of my performances of late. I've just got to keeping working hard, day in, day out, and keep trying to improve and progress.
"Sometimes as a young player you can get intimidated by some of these big names, but they are all great lads. They have all helped me. I'm really grateful to the football club. I need to keep learning, keep progressing and keep my feet firmly on the floor."
The 2013-14 campaign will live long in the memory of all Liverpool fans, whatever the outcome following the final whistle on Sunday - and for Sterling, the feeling is no different.
He insists the Reds will fight to the very end of their game against Newcastle United at Anfield, and took time out to hail the influence of the club's backroom staff and the supporters on an incredible season so far.
"It's been a great campaign, not just for the players but the fans and everyone involved in the club," said Sterling. "It's a great credit to everyone involved in the club and everyone behind the scenes.
"Without them it wouldn't have been possible. They've made the dream feel real as well. The atmosphere in the stadium and with the travelling fans getting behind us has been terrific.
"There's great belief amongst the fans and great belief within the group. We didn't get the win on Monday [against Crystal Palace], which we were disappointed with, but we'll definitely go again and fight to the end."