Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended Raheem Sterling from accusations of diving after Saturday's goalless draw with Sunderland.
Sterling, who celebrates his 20th birthday on Monday, went to ground in the area under a challenge from Wes Brown late in the game at Anfield, but referee Neil Swarbrick waved away the claims for a penalty kick.
But Rodgers insists the player's trickery means he sometimes doesn't keep his balance and can go down under slight contact, rather than there being anything sinister behind his fall.
"He is so bright around the box and makes defenders tackle him and want to get around him," said Rodgers. "When you watch it closely, Wes Brown has a dangle for the ball, misses it, and Raheem moves to the side. As he comes down with his foot, he probably just lands on Wes Brown.
"I didn't think it was a dive, but I don't think it was a penalty. I just think it was one of those coming togethers in the box that sometimes happens and the referee made the right decision."