Brendan Rodgers defends Raheem Sterling's post-England night out insisting Liverpool star was entitled to be there

John Powell 

 

Unconcerned: Rodgers was happy for Sterling to be out six days before a game, describing it as a non-story

Brendan Rodgers has defended Raheem Sterling as he insisted the young forward had the right to go on a night out “100 per cent”.

The Liverpool boss has branded the suggestion his England star was in a club until 3am as “not a story”, explaining that the 19-year-old was given the day off, after returning from England duty.
Sterling has been criticised for going on the night out the day after he was only a substitute for his country against Estonia, following the suggestion from England boss Roy Hodgson the player said he was tired.
But Rodgers countered: “I think for Raheem it's obviously just important he focuses on his football – it's unfortunate, six days before a game when he's on a day off can't go out.

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 “It's obviously a story for some, but if you read it carefully, then there's not a story in it. 100 per cent it was a night out he was entitled to have, yes.
“He was terrific tonight, and he goes about his work really well. With his rise he'll learn maybe people want to knock you, but he's focused on his work.”
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