Brendan Rodgers is aware of disrupting the "rhythm" of Liverpool ace Raheem Sterling.

The Liverpool manager is defensive of his young talent saying criticism towards him this season has been over-the-top.

And he has thought carefully about how to give the player time to recharge his batteries.

"Raheem is similar to Wayne Rooney in that he is better in rhythm. I love Wayne Rooney, I think he is a brilliant player, but take him out for a couple of games and he is not the same player.

"Raheem is in that mould, if you take him out of rhythm it takes him a while to get going again. He is a boy who is better in rhythm and in games."