Liverpool manager to warn Sterling about his off-field behaviour

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will remind Raheem Sterling of his responsibilities after the young striker hit the headlines for the wrong reasons before scoring the opener in a 2-0 win over Newcastle United.

Sterling has been videoed passing out after allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as 'hippy crack', and on Sunday was pictured puffing on a shisha pipe, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Sterling is reportedly unwilling to sign a new contract with the English Premier League (EPL) club.

The 20-year-old faces a club investigation and potential disciplinary action over his behaviour, and Liverpool manager Rodgers now says he will take time to talk to his rising star about what being a professional entails.

When asked whether he would speak with Sterling, whose opener was followed up by Joe Allen's goal in the 2-0 win at the Anfield stadium, Rodgers said: "I will do. I think it's one where internally we're always looking into these types of items.

"He's a young kid that's been in the spotlight now so he knows the demands of being a top class player and a top class professional. It's not just on the field it's off the field but I will speak with him on it and we'll move on."

An excellent piece of skill from Sterling inside the Newcastle penalty area opened up the chance for him in the ninth minute on Monday night. The England international expertly curled past Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul to make it 1-0.

Sterling could have had more goals and at one point shot wide with the goal gaping. Rodgers said that lack of a second finishing touch would have left his player disappointed.

"He's very valuable, he's a kid. He is non-stop, he wants to learn and improve himself," the Liverpool boss said.

"I thought he was outstanding tonight. He'll be disappointed that he maybe didn't get three goals this evening, second one he should slot away.

"But wonderful skill and ability for the first goal and he was tireless all evening pressing the ball and posing a threat."