Raheem Sterling has refused to blame Liverpool's defeat to West Ham United on fatigue from their Champions League exploits.

The Reds were forced to dig deep against Ludogorets Razgrad in their European opener to claim a 2-1 victory in the dying minutes.

However, Brendan Rodgers's side got off to a nightmare start at Upton Park as they conceded twice in the opening 10 minutes on their way to a 3-1 defeat.

Sterling told reporters: "I wouldn't say it was a factor. It's more than we're used to and the games are coming thick and fast. But that's what we want – to be competing at the top end of the Premier League and in the Champions League. It's down to us to get things right and get back to winning games.

"What it means now is that after the second recovery day after a game we're straight back into another game. They come really quick now and that's something we need to get used to.

"We can't use that as an excuse because there are other teams in the Premier League doing exactly the same as us who are winning games. It will definitely be a test of character but I think there is a lot of character in this group."

Liverpool are 11th in the Premier League after five matches this season.