MILNER SET FOR LIVERPOOL RECORD

 

Veteran Liverpool midfielder James Milner is on course to set a new record for the Reds when they welcome Italian opposition Atalanta to Anfield on Wednesday night. Milner has not been a regular in the Liverpool XI in recent seasons but that status is expected to change for some weeks at least with the Reds battling with a lot of injuries in defence.

James Milner has been earmarked as the natural replacement for first choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. England international Trent is injured at the moment and his place in the Liverpool starting team was taken by James Milner for the visit of Leicester City at the weekend. It was the first match for the Reds since Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained a calf injury during the 1-1 draw at Manchester City in the league shortly before players departed for the November international football.

James Milner impressed at right-back in the place of Trent Alexander-Arnold during the Leicester City game. He provided two assists as the Reds beat their opponents 3-0 at home to leapfrog them into second place with goal difference separating them and league leaders Tottenham Hotspur. Milner is expected to continue at right-back for the Champions League visit of Atalanta ahead of young fullback Neco Williams.

James Milner is in line for his 50^th appearance for Liverpool in European games thus making him the 23^rd person to achieve this feat. The veteran player would be the oldest Liverpool player to make 5o appearances for Liverpool in European club matches at the age of 34 years and 326 days beating the 36-year-old record held by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. The ex-Reds player and manager set the record in 1984 at the age of 36 years and 51 days. Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League knockout stage with a win over Atalanta.