Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said that he felt "really happy" for James Milner after the midfielder impressed against Maribor in the Champions League.
Milner has dropped down the pecking order at Anfield, with the 31-year-old only starting two matches in the Premier League this season, but the club's vice-captain featured as Liverpool thrashed Maribor on Tuesday night.
The former England international may return to the bench for Sunday's showdown with Tottenham Hotspur, but Klopp has insisted that one of his most experienced players remains a "very important" member of his squad.
The 50-year-old told reporters: "It's no problem. I was never in doubt about him. I was really happy for him. It's the situation we want and need.
"We need more high-quality players than 11. We play without Clyne, Lallana and Mane and we still have more players than we can use.
"I respect Milly a lot, he is a very important player for us both on and off the pitch."
Milner has netted 14 goals in 94 appearances for Liverpool since joining the club in June 2015.
Darren Plant
