Friday 17 October 2014 16:02, UK
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has leapt to the defence of Raheem Sterling, but insists there is no dispute between himself and England manager Roy Hodgson.
Sterling has found himself pilloried in the last week after Hodgson said the youngster had told him he was tired ahead of the European Qualifier in Estonia.
The 19-year-old forward was left out of the England team for that match in Tallinn, but came off the bench to win the free-kick from which Wayne Rooney scored the only goal, which led to accusations he had said he did not want to play.
However, Rodgers has totally rejected those accusations.
This is a kid we bring up to be responsible and honest - lots of players will tell you they haven't played when they haven't felt right but this is a kid who didn't say that.
"I've obviously read and listened to a lot of what has been said," said Rodgers, who went out of his way to congratulate all the Home Nations on their qualifying performances over the past seven days.
"He (Sterling) has been absolutely incredible for me and what has been nice to see is his maturity as a young man; he's 19, a full international and he will hopefully be a key player for England and Liverpool for many years.
"This is a kid we bring up to be responsible and honest - lots of players will tell you they haven't played when they haven't felt right but this is a kid who didn't say that.
"What he was saying was he felt tired. I've had it a number of times here with Raheem where he has been tired in his legs but he has gone on to play in games and be exceptional.
"What you do as a manager is take on board all the information from the specialists around you and you make your decision. You have to respect Roy's decision that he decided not to play him and play Adam Lallana.
"What has been disappointing in the whole affair is it has been grossly unfair how the kid has been put on the back pages for something he clearly did not say.
"For a couple of days, it probably shook him a little bit but he was brilliant in training this morning."
Meanwhile, Rodgers believes Euro 2015 duty with England Under-21s would not dent Sterling's long-term development.
Rodgers reckons Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate should take his strongest-available age-group side to next summer's European competition - full caps like Sterling included - fitness and freshness permitting.
"We assess that come the end of the season," Rodgers said.
"I think it is a relevant point for England: If they are going to improve internationally there has to be more focus given to the Under-21s team.
"I think Gareth is doing an excellent job there, allowing the players to develop and hopefully getting into the first team.
"Raheem is still eligible to play but I think there are a number of young players that break through that can fit into that age group and I don't think it would do them any harm at all if they went and experienced a competition like that surrounded by top players.
"If they were good enough to go on and win that tournament, that would not hold back their development."
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