Phil Thompson does not expect new signing James Milner to walk in and become Liverpool captain.

The Reds have agreed terms with the 29-year old midfielder who will join from Manchester City on a free transfer when his contract at the Etihad Stadium expires on July 1.

Some have suggested that Milner will be the man to replace the departing Steven Gerrard as Reds skipper but former defender Thompson suggests that role should remain with Jordan Henderson who deputised in the absence of the Kop hero last season.

"I think it would be difficult for him to come in and be handed the armband straight away. Jordan Henderson has done very well when he's been captain," he told Sky Sports.

"Jordan is a lot younger and can be captain for a long time, so I think taking that from him would be a step backwards for him personally.

"Milner has captaincy ability in him, of course, but I just think it would be the wrong move from the club because it would be unfair to put a burden on him like that."