LONDON: Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake hailed Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling after the winger's impressive performance in last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City in a Premier League match.

Blake ran the joint-third fastest time in 100-metre history to win gold at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne last Thursday - clocking 9.69 seconds, a time only ever bettered by Olympic champion Usain Bolt.

But Blake, who is also known as the 'The Beast', took time out to praise Sterling on his accomplished display.22-year-old Blake tweeted: "Hail up fellow Yardie-- Raheem Stirling of Liverpool FC! Big up yourself @sterling31".

Sterling, who was born in Jamaica before moving to England, made his Premier League debut and completed the full 90 minutes as the Reds earned a respectable draw against the champions.

The 17-year-old was signed by former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez from Queens Park Rangers in 2010.

- mD