LIVERPOOL MANAGER BRENDAN Rodgers has defended Raheem Sterling and hit out at the media after reports emerged of him partying until 03:00 upon his return from international duty.

The England winger complained of tiredness before the Three Lions’ 1-0 win over Estonia on October 12, but was spotted in a nightclub in the early hours of the morning 24 hours later.

However, Rodgers made a point of saying it was six days before Liverpool’s next game and considers it a non-story.

The Northern Irishman concedes that the media glare on Sterling is intense following his dramatic rise in stature, but says the 19-year-old is working hard.

“For Raheem it’s important he focuses on his football,” Rodgers told reporters.

“It’s unfortunate that a young kid of 19 years of age, six days before the game, can’t go out. It’s not a story.

“It’s with his rise that people might want to knock you but he wants to work hard at his game.”

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