Where to Find Nitrous oxide?

The Liverpool boss says he will discuss the youngster's unprofessional off-field activities, but is convinced he will not be distracted and remains a key player for the side

Brendan Rodgers says he will speak to Raheem Sterling after he was pictured inhaling nitrous oxide, but insists the controversy will not affect the Liverpool youngster.

England international Sterling had a mixed Monday, netting the opening goal in the Reds' 2-0 victory over Newcastle but facing fresh scrutiny after The Sun acquired a video of him apparently passed out after inhaling the legal high.

Sterling has also recently been pictured with a shisha pipe and Rodgers says he will discuss the 20-year-old's off-field activities privately, admitting that he needs to remain professional away from the pitch as well as on it.

"I will speak to Raheem on that. Until then, it is something we will deal with internally, " the Liverpool boss told reporters.

"For me it is something that, as a professional sportsperson at the top, I don't think it is something you should be doing. It is as simple as that. But I will speak to him. We want players here who are super professional and focused on their football. He very much is."

Speaking to Sky Sports, he added: "It's one where internally we'll always look after these types of items.

"He's a young kid who has been in the spotlight now so he knows the demands of being a top-class player and a top-class professional. It's not just on the field, it’s off the field. So I'll speak with him on it and we'll move on."

Sterling did not appear to be affected by the furore as he bagged a stunning opening goal for Liverpool at Anfield, and Rodgers has no fears that he will be distracted by the episode.

"You see the way he plays. He is a kid that is very strong willed and strong minded. He should have had a hat-trick, his performance was outstanding, him and [Philippe] Coutinho.

"He's a kid who is non-stop, he wants to learn and improve himself. I thought he was outstanding tonight.

"He'll be disappointed he didn't get three goals this evening, the second one he should slot away. But wonderful skill and ability for the first goal, and he was tireless all evening, pressing the ball, and he's always a threat."