Neil Critchley has revealed James Milner’s key role in Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.
Milner watched from the sidelines as a youthful Reds side booked a fifth-round meeting with Chelsea following their 1-0 victory on Tuesday.
Jurgen Klopp and his senior squad sat out the game against the League One outfit at Anfield due to adhering to the Premier League’s mid-season break.
But Critchley explained how vice-captain Milner, who is recovering from a thigh injury, took a lead role in helping out his younger teammates.
“He trained with us yesterday and he asked whether he could come along,” revealed Liverpool’s under-23 coach.
“I was like, ‘I think the answer is yes to that one – of course you can!’ He was very respectful to ask.
“He said, ‘Can I come in the dressing room?’ and you’re thinking, ‘What do you think? Of course!’
“He has achieved so much in the game because of who he is; he was giving words of advice to the players, he was getting right behind the players.
“He was vocal in the dressing room and he was animated behind me – I could hear him! He was genuinely delighted with how the boys performed.
“I can’t thank him enough for being here tonight. I don’t think he is available yet, I am not sure he is ready for that moment yet.
“But he was certainly jumping up and down behind me so I think he was desperate to get on!”
Despite watching at a distance, Critchley confirmed that Klopp had made touch with the Academy coaches to relay his delight at the hard-fought result.
He added: “The boss was in touch this afternoon with some words of advice and encouragement, which was really nice of him. We had a little message.
“I’ve not checked my phone yet but we had a message from the staff at the end there and he is absolutely delighted with the performance. He is buzzing.
“We’ve given him a game against Chelsea away to look forward to.”