Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen poised for Liverpool rest

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is preparing to give midfielders Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen a rest after acknowledging fatigue played a part in their home defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday.

Sterling has been hugely impressive in his first Barclays Premier League season but has only just turned 18 while Allen is also getting used to life at Anfield after following Rodgers from Swansea in the summer.

The Reds boss told http://www.liverpoolfc.com: "There is no doubt Raheem is one who does need that breather.

"I've thought about it over the past couple of weeks. In order to do that you need to have that depth to take him out and put somebody else in.

"That's something I'm thinking about - who to put in. He's a naturally very, very fit boy but he needs that mental rest as well.

"For the kid, it's about efficiency as well. Tactically he's still very young. That time will come and he will get the breather soon enough.

"There is no doubt, after working with Joe and seeing him, he's another one. If we're honest, there are a few who could do with that breather, especially mentally. It's something for sure I need to have a wee look at."

Liverpool have been juggling Premier League commitments with a Europa League campaign and Saturday's 3-1 loss left them 12th in the table, 20 points behind leaders Manchester United.

PA