Former Liverpool defender Phil Babb believes it is time the Reds rested James Milner, but warned the midfielder when he does come out of the team he may have a tough job finding his way back in his preferred position.
Milner has been a regular under Jurgen Klopp and produces the high-energy, intensive football the German craves.
He fired Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Swansea City earlier today by scoring from the penalty spot following a handball from a Jordon Ibe cross.
Babb thinks Milner has been superb for Liverpool, but says he could detect signs of tiredness in his game and called for Klopp to rest the ex-Manchester City man.
And Liverpool's midweek League Cup game against Southampton is the perfect opportunity, Babb believes, with Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva his preferred partnership in the middle.
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"Milner looks a little bit jaded", Babb said on LFC TV.
"I actually think he needs a rest.
"It would be good to put Henderson in with Lucas in midweek.
"I could see possibly a Lucas-Henderson partnership developing and Milner might have to bite his lip a little bit."
The match against Swansea did see Henderson return to action as he came on as a substitute; Daniel Sturridge also made an appearance off the bench in the victory.
