Brendan Rodgers has defended Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe, and insists that the Liverpool youngsters will learn from their mistakes.

The duo were allegedly caught on camera smoking a shisha pipe, while Sterling was also filmed apparently inhaling 'legal high' nitrous oxide on a separate occasion.

Rodgers has confirmed that he has met with both players to remind them of their responsibilities, but neither has been punished by the club.

"I spoke to both players and they are fully aware of what has happened, and then we talked about football," Rodgers said in today's press conference. "I think both young players are aware of their responsibilities. All you can do is continually educate them.

"It is [about] perspective as well. If you look at Raheem he didn't do anything illegal. It was something he will look back on in years to come and it probably wasn't the wisest thing to do, but for me it is all about the welfare of the two young players - making them aware of the health issues which come with that and also about the professionalism and what they are representing.

"They will make mistakes, whether it is those two or other young players. In the main young footballers are good people, they do a lot of things which go unnoticed. Sometimes they get caught out but that is just youth and learning."

The Reds are preparing for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa at Wembley.