Jurgen Klopp has backed James Milner for an extended Liverpool first-team run.
The veteran midfielder made three starts in the Reds’ last four games in all competitions including Wednesday’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
Milner’s rediscovered starring role comes after more than two months without making consecutive starting appearances for the Premier League champions.
Ahead of facing his former club Leeds United on Monday night, Klopp hailed the 35-year-old’s importance as his side continue to push for a top four finish.
“He played very good and I think we won the games because he was on the pitch, not despite it. I’m very sure about that,” said the Liverpool manager.
“I don’t know often I say it, I could say it a lot more times: Milly is incredibly important for this group, incredibly important.
“As a person, as a character, but as a player as well. Not only in the dressing room, but as well in the dressing room.
“I think Milly was always around, playing or coming on when he was fit.
“There were some really little issues, but enough of an issue to rule him out, in the last month, but now he’s completely fit.
“Hopefully, it stays like this and it makes him, then, an important player on and off the pitch. That’s good, and I’m really happy to have him.”