James Milner was buoyant after helping Liverpool to a convincing 4-0 win over Merseyside derby rivals Everton on Wednesday night.

The veteran midfielder supplied a pair of assists for Divock Origi and Mamadou Sakho's first-half headers before Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho put the icing on the cake in the second half at Anfield.

Following the victory, Milner spoke of the importance of such a result for the Reds faithful who can now go home knowing they have wrestled back control in the local rivalry.

"Every derby is a big game for everyone at the club, to give the fans the bragging rights," Milner said.

"It was a big victory. We created chances and kept pushing forwards but we knew that we had another gear.

"It's always been a quiet strength of mine to get assists and it's something that I work on."