STERLING DEFENCE

Carney supports under-fire Raheem

- NEIL McLEMAN

CHELSEA star Carney Chukwuemeka has revealed Raheem Sterling is like his "big brother" as he appealed to Blues fans to "stick with us".

The England star and head coach Mauricio Pochettino were booed during the FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester on Sunday.

Sterling, who missed a first-half penalty, still applauded Chelsea supporters as he was subbed off before Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke came off the bench to score in stoppage time at Stamford Bridge.

And the England Under-20 midfielder insisted that Sterling can "100 per cent" handle the abuse - and revealed his work behind the scenes with the young Blues stars is crucial.

"Raheem is an experienced player who has had an amazing career," said Chukwuemeka. "We know what a great footballer he is. He has had goals, assists and won so many penalties this season.