Steven Gerrard tells Liverpool winger Sterling to 'man' up

Steven Gerrard has told Raheem Sterling to "be a man" and start treating Liverpool and the club's supporters fairly.

Sterling has cited illness as his reason for being absent from training this week, although his agent claims a "breakdown in trust" between the winger and Brendan Rodgers is taking its toll.

The England youngster is reportedly refusing to travel on Liverpool's pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, and former Reds skipper Gerrard is unhappy with his antics.

Gerrard told Sky Sports:

"I'm not happy with all that carry on, I don't think there's any need for it. They all need to be men about the situation. Raheem needs to go in and speak to the owners, and Brendan himself and tell them what he wants, and go about it that way."

Gerrard is expected to make his debut for LA Galaxy this weekend after leaving the club he has supported all of his life, and played for throughout his career. As a Liverpool supporter, he doesn't believe Sterling is showing the club's fans enough respect.

"You don't want to have to throw illnesses in or you don't have to refuse to go on tour, there's millions of Liverpool fans itching to see Raheem Sterling in a Liverpool kit around the world, so I don't think it's fair on them if he is behaving like that," he added.