England boss Roy Hodgson has admitted that he is only focused on the "footballing ability" of Raheem Sterling rather than his contract dispute with Liverpool.

The 20-year-old turned down a reported £100,000-per-week contract with the Reds, and his agent has since claimed that he will not sign a new deal to remain at Anfield.

As a result, Sterling was subject to boos when he took the field in England's friendly clash against the Republic of Ireland last week, but Hodgson is adamant that the winger's current transfer saga will not play into his selection policy for the Three Lions.

"I think it's fairly common practice that good players get booed by opposing fans so I don't find that tremendously unusual," Hodgson told reporters.

"I would be more concerned if it was England fans booing him, but even if that were to be the case I'm sure it would be for other reasons than his footballing ability.

"What interests me is his footballing ability and not his contract disputes."

England play Slovenia in their sixth Euro 2016 qualifier later today.