Raheem Sterling believes Manchester City will be a 'force to be reckoned with' in Champions League knockout rounds

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Not even the monotony of a post-match drug test could dampen Raheem Sterling’s 21st. 

Two goals, an assist and Manchester City topping their Champions League group for the first time made it a birthday to remember.

Emerging after his doping duties and dressed in a crisp white shirt - clutching a Selfridge’s bag - Sterling had a message for Europe’s elite.

Raheem Sterling believes Manchester City will be a force to be reckoned with in Champions League Last 16

Sterling scored two late goals as Manchester City came from behind to beat Borussia Monchengladbach

‘We’re definitely a force to be reckoned with - I don’t doubt us against any team,’ he affirmed after City’s thrilling late rally downed Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2. ‘I’ll take any team with the players we’ve got here fully fit and firing.

‘If we can get through the next round anything is possible.’

Manuel Pellegrini’s side will fancy their chances of reaching a first-ever quarter-final. 

They will avoid Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atletico in the draw for the last 16, to be made on Monday.

By finishing top of their group City have avoided drawing likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid

Only Paris Saint-Germain represent true stern potential opposition and there is genuine belief inside the Etihad that they can challenge should defensive difficulties be eradicated.

‘With the football we’re playing we definitely need to be more solid and keep more teams at bay,’ Sterling added. 

‘But with the players we’ve got here you know something could pop up at any moment. There is great personality throughout the squad.

The 21-year-old Sterling says he wouldn't swap City's side for any other in Europe 

‘Even when the game looks like it’s dead we can spin it on its head because of the players we’ve got.’

He would never name check himself but Sterling is now one of those protagonists. 

Tuesday night proved as such, filling in for the injured Sergio Aguero and eventually flourishing.

‘It was definitely one of my best nights in football,’ he added. 

‘I said to myself if I could get on the scoresheet and we top the group I’d definitely put it down as my best moment in football so far.

 Manchester City attacker David Silva had given his side a lead in the final Champions League group game

‘I know everyone says this but [I’m happy] wherever the manager would like me to play. I’ll be honest with you guys: as close to the box as possible. 

'That’s where I most enjoy it, trying to create stuff and try to get those little tap-ins - I don’t mind them.

‘I sometimes criticise myself a bit too much because I know where I want to be. It’s because I know what I’m capable of. 

'To put it on the world stage is the most important thing now, showing people that I can play regularly and consistently, scoring goals and helping my team win matches.

‘I just take everything I hear, take it in one ear and put it through the other.’

Second-half substitute Wilfried Bony celebrates in front of the home fans after scoring City's fourth