The England international winger hasn't lived up to his £20 million price tag following his move to Anfield from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011.
17-year-old starlet Sterling has been fast-tracked into the first team ahead of Downing, and it has even been suggested the normally attack minded left winger could be converted into a left-back in order to enhance his prospects of getting into the team.
Rodgers has challenged Downing to show the passion required to play for Liverpool or face being shipped out of the club.
"Stewart is a good guy and a good lad who came here for an awful lot of money," Rodgers told The Guardian.
"It hasn't quite worked out for him as he would want it. The big challenge for him now is that commitment to the cause to fight, because he has the qualities. He has a wonderful left foot but what is important is that it is more than talent.
"Talent alone is not enough. You have to work hard, you have to fight for the shirt. We have seen that in a number of the young players and if you don't do that then longer-term you won't be here. It is as simple as that really."
Rodgers insists the responsibility over Downing's performances rest solely on the player's own shoulders.
He added: "We are coaches, not magicians. For me football players are no different to plumbers, joiners or bricklayers. They are self-employed and us as medics, coaches and managers are the tools that help them to be better.
"We will give them everything to help them to be better, but if they don't want to show that self-motivation, and if you haven't got that desire and hunger to succeed, then it can be very difficult for you."
Jose Enrique's Liverpool career could also be under threat, Rodgers revealed. Despite the former Newcastle man enjoying a relatively promising start under Kenny Dalglish last season, his form has dropped recently following a spell out with injury.
Rodgers added: "I don't waste my time waiting until January to tell both players [Downing and Enrique] what I know now. So they know in relation to the demands of what we want and certainly what it is going to take for us to succeed and for them to fit into the dynamics of the group."
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Always thought it was a professionalism thing. Just doesn't try enough or just not good enough or both?
I'm sure Oli has a few words :P\
In the case of enrique it's crazy to see how far he's fallen, he was our best performing player in his first 5 months
NichoSat 29/09/12 at 13:42 These type of conversations with players are usually "behind closed doors" and I can't decide whether it's right for Rodgers to make it public. I think most of us have felt that Downing needs to show greater commitment but I don't know whether its refreshing that the manager should make these comments or if they might cause divisions in the camp. I'll think about over a few pints of Guiness during the game. That usually helps me to see things more clearly  
BadmoonSat 29/09/12 at 14:44 These type of conversations with players are usually "behind closed doors" and I can't decide whether it's right for Rodgers to make it public. I think most of us have felt that Downing needs to show greater commitment but I don't know whether its refreshing that the manager should make these comments or if they might cause divisions in the camp. I'll think about over a few pints of Guiness during the game. That usually helps me to see things more clearly I agree, he obviously thinks he needs a kick up the arse and Enrique or he wouldn't have made it public
OlivavuSat 29/09/12 at 16:50 I don't think there is a problem giving them a public going over. Both have been shite.
ArtonSG8Sat 29/09/12 at 18:31 I don't think there is a problem giving them a public going over. Both have been shite.
Our Youngsters have kicked them out
Richard IISat 29/09/12 at 19:06 I don't think there is a problem giving them a public going over. Both have been shite.
Our Youngsters have kicked them out Spot on, both of you! He should expect more from them, and calling them out either helps them, or gives them, and everyone else, fair warning: step up or step aside.
LennySat 29/09/12 at 20:37 What Rodgers said publicly is what most Liverpool fans were thinking privately.
KazekouSun 30/09/12 at 11:20 I think Rodgers has gone public because he fully intends to sell downing to help cover costs for a striker and he wants all other managers to know Downing is on the market. I really can't see any other advantage to given a public boot up the backside to a player that you are not playing
OlivavuSun 30/09/12 at 11:52 He doesn't have to do it publically. He can let managers know that players are available privately.
KazekouSun 30/09/12 at 11:55 You don't always know who's interested. And putting in the press will ensure journalists around the world will translate if for you in leagues where their is interest. Saving you a bunch of phone calls, a bunch of executive meetings and a bunch maths. (currency conversion and market analysis) Seems to me the perfect way to advertise dead weight, with little interest to the largest number
OlivavuSun 30/09/12 at 11:59 Or you just tell people. Or his agent tells people. You don't need to take out an advert in the lonely hearts column.
Manu-23Sun 30/09/12 at 13:28 Downing 20 M !!!!! is it a joke ? the guy who took the decision to pay the 20 M was ill ? i hope it was not KK
ArtonSG8Sun 30/09/12 at 15:10 I agree with you Kazekou.I also think Rodgers wants that.
FernandoFowler9Sun 30/09/12 at 15:15 You don't always know who's interested. And putting in the press will ensure journalists around the world will translate if for you in leagues where their is interest. Saving you a bunch of phone calls, a bunch of executive meetings and a bunch maths. (currency conversion and market analysis)
Seems to me the perfect way to advertise dead weight, with little interest to the largest number
I'm sure an article in the Daily Mail is all a manager needs to know they ought to put in an offer on a player.
jarhead113Mon 01/10/12 at 03:04 nothing scouts want more than to hear how horrible someone's work ethic is.
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