Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has described Raheem Sterling as the "main catalyst" for his side's attacking spark and said that he has no intentions of resting the youngster over the hectic Christmas period.

Sterling pulled out of England's clash with Estonia back in October after citing fatigue to Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson, but the 20-year-old, who made his 100th appearance in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, is unlikely to be taken out of the firing line for the Reds.

Rodgers told reporters: "He's a wonderful young player. There will be a point where he will get a breather and a rest. But at this moment in time, he's our main catalyst in the team and he still looks fresh. He's working very well.

"I asked him to play central [against United], where he could move across the line and penetrate in behind or come in short.

"I thought he was outstanding at that. He got himself chances. His first chance came when Adam [Lallana] played a great pass in and he's hit it off his left side, but David De Gea's made a great save. He's had other chances when he's anticipated and ran through."

Sunday's defeat Old Trafford leaves the Reds 10th in the Premier League.