Liverpool legend Ray Houghton has questioned the club's decision to grant Raheem Sterling a winter break.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has allowed the youngster to take a short holiday to Jamaica, but Houghton believes that this is counter-productive for the club.

"I know there is sports science involved now and you try to look after the players the best you can, because it is about longevity, but the likes of Phil Neal, Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, who played that season, had long careers. They didn't have a break," he told talkSPORT.

"I just don't get it. Personally, I think players want to play rather than to be left out of the side.

"For the last six, seven weeks, Sterling has been the shining light for Liverpool, he has been absolutely brilliant, and I think he is a huge loss when he is out. He is a game-changer and personally, as a Liverpool fan, I would love to see him in the team."

Sterling, who is currently stalling on a new Liverpool contract, missed the Reds' 1-0 win at Sunderland today.