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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments