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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has hit back at criticism of Raheem Sterling as he insisted: “The boy is being hung out to dry.”

The Reds teenager has found himself caught up in a storm this week after Roy Hodgson revealed he had told him he was “tired” and wanted to “sit out” England’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Estonia.

However, Rodgers is adamant that Sterling never said he didn’t want to play in Tallinn. And the Northern Irishman says speculation that Liverpool put pressure on Hodgson not to start the 19-year-old is “rubbish”.

Rodgers said: “I’m fed up reading about this club v country row, claims we intervened and put pressure on Roy Hodgson.

“I’ve read we sent dossiers to the FA on Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge and I’m having showdown talks with Roy Hodgson on Sunday and all sorts of rubbish.

“The decision not to play him was a managerial decision. I haven’t said a single word but have to say I have never seen such rubbish written over the last few days.

“At no point did Raheem Sterling say he didn’t want to play for England. The boy is being hung out to dry and I dare say the criticism will continue for a few more weeks to come because of this.”

Rodgers said there had been a number of occasions at Liverpool when Sterling had flagged up the fact he was fatigued, but the decision whether he played in a game was always taken out of his hands.

“Let me tell you, there have been at least five occasions in the past when Raheem has said he felt tired before games but he’s never refused to play,” Rodgers told The Independent.

“We have taken on board what he has said and taken a decision accordingly. I rested him against Aston Villa and we lost the game. But it was our decision to do so – and our decision alone.

“Last season he said he felt tired before the Manchester City game. We won 3-2 and he put in a man-of-the-match performance.

“The point I’m making is you have to take on board advice from your own people and make your own decision, right or wrong.”

More on this:Fowler says 'selfless' Sterling should be praised for putting team first

James Pearce comment:Liverpool are used to Hodgson putting his foot in his mouth