James Milner is eager to become a central piece in Liverpool's plans going forward.

The 29-year old midfielder joined the Reds on a free from Manchester City earlier this summer and is determined to prove to manager Brendan Rodgers that he can help fill the massive void left by the departure of legend Steven Gerrard.

He told the club's official website: "I just thought it was the right thing for me to hopefully go and get more game time and be part of something special.

"I've been very fortunate to play for some massive clubs during my career so far and this is another one. It's a great challenge for me.

"I want to play football and play more centrally if I can - and that's where the manager said he sees me playing.

The club doesn't need a lot of selling about what a great club it is, with all the history, the support and the squad they have.

"But speaking to the manager and what his plans were for me, things I've heard about him from other players - I was speaking to Stevie (Gerrard) at England and people like that - and what he said to me made me want to come and play for him straight away."