Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling has been awarded the European Golden Boy accolade after having an impressive year in both the Reds' and England uniforms.

The 20-year-old is the first Englishman to win it since Wayne Rooney in 2004, and has beaten competition from Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj and Liverpool teammates Lazar Markovic and Divock Origi.

Previous winners include Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and teammate Mario Balotelli, who picked up the award four years ago.

"It's a great achievement to win such an award," the winger told Liverpool's official website.

"It's a really happy feeling for me and my family, of course. Something I've always wanted to do is to work hard playing football and try to be recognised. I'm really grateful that people have shown me this recognition.

"It's down to hard work. I'm really happy that people are recognising that I'm trying to work hard and do my best for this football club. I'm really grateful for this award."

The Golden Boy honour was originally established by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, with other leading publications helping decide the winner of the award.