Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the 'courageous' performance of midfielder Raheem Sterling in his side's 3-2 victory against Queens Park Rangers.

The 19-year-old controversially complained of being tired ahead of England's Euro 2016 meeting with Estonia last week, although he was withdrawn with just seconds remaining at Loftus Road this afternoon in what was a hugely entertaining match.

Sterling helped to mastermind the Reds' narrow win, forcing Steven Caulker to turn the ball into his own net in the fifth minute of added time to steal all three points for the visitors.

"I thought his cleverness and brightness led to the first goal," ESPN quotes Rodgers as saying. "The best players come alive when the game goes dead, whether it's a throw-in or in the game.

"Some players look for a rest or try to get organised, but the bright players come alive. He spotted it, played it early. It was a great run from Glen Johnson to invite the quick ball, and obviously a great cross that the defender turned in.

"And the breakaways for the other two, they are just all about his speed, his technique, his courage to carry the ball, run with the ball. It was great courage and cleverness from him today."

Liverpool, who have moved up to fifth in the Premier League table, now turn their attention to European action with a Champions League clash against Real Madrid next up in midweek.