Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Raheem Sterling was slightly "shook up" after receiving criticism for allegedly complaining of tiredness while on international duty.
England boss Roy Hodgson left Sterling out of his team to play Estonia on Sunday after revealing that the winger had told him that he was feeling jaded, but after denying that Sterling had asked for a rest, Rodgers called on the saga to be brought to an end.
The 41-year-old told reporters: "I want to move on from the Sterling saga for the sake of the kid.
"I've been very fortunate to work with a brilliant young player here. From the pre-season trip as a 17-year-old, he's been incredible for me. He's maturing into a great young man, now 19, he's responsible, honest.
"Lots of players will play when they don't feel right. It's been grossly unfair how Sterling has been put in the back pages for something he clearly didn't say. He's back here in a secure environment. The last week shook him a wee bit but he was brilliant in training this morning."
Sterling has been involved in 14 games - 10 for Liverpool and four for England - during the opening two months of the season.
Darren Plant
