‘Pep’s given me a big lift’

RAHEEM STERLING has paid tribute to Pep Guardiola for his rejuvenation this season.

The Manchester City winger was at a low ebb in the summer after a disappointing first season at the Etihad Stadium and criticism for his performances as England flopped at the Euros.

But Sterling, 21, below, has bounced back under Guardiola’s management and is showing the form that prompted City to buy him from Liverpool 13 months ago in a deal that could amount to £49million.

He joined up with Sam Allardyce’s England squad on a high yesterday after scoring twice as City went top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win over West Ham, then revealed Guardiola’s encouraging words helped him out of his summer trough.

“It was a big lift,” he said. “The manager has been in the game a long time, won stuff, worked with young players, worked with great players, and he knows how to get the best out of his players and he’s been a massive help. Not just for me, but the other players as well, the whole team.

“It’s good to have a manager that not just talks to me, but makes the whole team feel really welcome, makes