Raheem Sterling insists he has "still got a big part to play" in Arsenal's hunt for the Champions League this season. 

The 30-year-old Chelsea loanee produced his best performance of a frustrating season during the 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates on Wednesday evening. 

With the Gunners all but assured a place in the last eight follwing their comprehensive 7-1 victory in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash in the Netherlands last week, Sterling provided two assists for Alex Zinchenko and Declan Rice's goals against PSV, as North Londoners eased to a 9-3 aggregate triumph. 

In doing so he became the first English player to be involved in at least one goal for four different clubs in the Champions League.

The former Footballer of the Year has now also contributed to 46 goals in the competition (27 goals, 19 assists), with David Beckham (52), Harry Kane (50) and Wayne Rooney (47), the only Englishmen to have delivered more.

"It was nice to be out there and contribute to the team," Sterling told TNT Sports.

"I know what I am capable of. You just want to be playing. You are at a top club with top players and you just have to wait for your moment. And that is what I am doing."

Sterling, who was player of the match against PSV, has struggled to make an impact this term, after joining Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August.

His appearance against the Eredivisie side was also only his third start this term in Europe's elite club competition, while eight of his 12 Premier League outings have come as a substitute.

Sterling has struggled for goals and has not scored since September's 5-1 win over League One Bolton in the Carabao Cup, with Arteta preferring to bring on Kieran Tierney as a makeshift attacker during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

However, with Arsenal languishing a full 15 points behind Arne Slot's Premier League table toppers Liverpool, the Champions League represents Sterling and Arsenal's only chance of lifting silverware this season.

And despite a late booking against PSV meaning he will be ruled out of the first leg at the Emirates against reigning European champions Real, Sterling remains hopeful he can still play an important part in the Gunners quest for the 'cup with the big ears.' 

"I am still faithful that I have still got a big part to play," he added.

"You can only control what you can control. I have not had as many minutes as I would have liked but I have had the opportunities.

"It is down to myself to keep knocking at the door. I believe within myself that I have a lot to play here, whether it is 10 minutes, 45 or a start. I just need to be ready and try and help the team as much as possible.

"Yes we are a few points behind [in the Premier League] but there are all different circumstances [for that]. I think the boys have done really well and in the last bit of the season [are ready] to give it a right push."