Liverpool’s James Milner inspires youngsters to FA Cup win over Shrewsbury

Under-23 boss Neil Critchley welcomed the veteran midfielder to give a team talk to the youngest Reds starting line-up of all time

Liverpool’s under-23 manager Neil Critchley has praised James Milner for inspiring the club’s youngest-ever starting line-up to overcome Shrewsbury in their FA Cup fourth-round replay at Anfield.

The Reds squeezed past the League One side thanks to a Ro-Shaun Williams own-goal.

And with Jurgen Klopp deciding to sit out the game, arguing he needed to adhere to the Premier League’s winter break, Milner took it upon himself to step in to support Critchley.

“He trained with us yesterday and he asked whether he could come along. I was like, ‘I think the answer is yes to that one. Of course you can,’” He was very respectful to ask,” Critchley told reporters.

“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 them, he was vocal in the dressing room and animated behind me.”

Milner has been out with injury lately but Critchley claimed the 34-year-old was delighted with the performance from the youngsters.

“I don’t think he’s available yet... but he was jumping up and down behind me so I think he was desperate to get on,” said Critchley, adding that Klopp had also sent a message to the team.

“He’s buzzing. We’ve given him a (fifth round) game against Chelsea away to look forward to.”