James Milner has implored Liverpool's talented youngsters to keep working hard in a bid to continue their development.

The likes of Brad Smith, Connor Randall, Pedro Chirivella, Sheyi Ojo, Joao Carlos Teixeira, Cameron Brannagan and Kevin Stewart have all featured in the first team this season with impressive performances in the cups competitions.

While Liverpool's FA Cup run ended at the fourth round at the hands of West Ham United on Tuesday night, the promising youth players have done well and are now pressing for regular first-team selection under Jurgen Klopp.

However, experienced midfielder Milner has warned them not to think their job is already done just because they have dipped their toe in the water.

"They've got their heads on their shoulders, their feet on the ground, and they know what they want to achieve," he told liverpoolfc.com.

"If they don't, that's where we step in and give them a kick up the rear but I don't see that being too much of a problem."

Milner added: "To perform how they did over those two games and when they've been called on this year is great.

"We've had a lot of injuries this year and you want those boys to come in and not just fill that spot for the time being but to push whoever's holding that shirt and be part of the squad, improve and become better players as well.

"Ultimately they're the future of this club so the more games they get, the more experience and the more they can learn, it's obviously better for everyone."