James Milner is counting down the days to Liverpool's preseason kickoff.

Milner is enjoying the current opportunity to rest and recharge after missing only two Premier League games last term, though the vice-captain's focus rarely wavers from the job.

“The off season is always a funny one – you enjoy yourself and relax but you've always got one eye on pre-season and making sure you're right and ready to go again," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“Obviously it's a big start to the season for us.

“Pre-season is always tough, nobody particularly enjoys it. But with the tours and the [Champions League] qualifier we want to hit the ground running and start the season well. So it's important you're ready to go."