Cascarino: Milner influence can set the example for younger teammates  

The ultimate professionalism of James Milner is enough to earn him a new contract according to Tony Cascarino.

The veteran midfielder turned 36 in January and is out of contract in the summer. There has been a thought that Milner could move into the coaching staff once he calls time on his illustrious career but the man himself has given no indication that he wants to hang up his boots in the near future.

Jurgen Klopp is a unabashed fan of Milner and recently said that a eighth season at the Reds is a distinct possibility.

“ There is no chance Milly will retire next year, he is desperate to play on and I understand.

“Life after your career, when you are lucky enough to stay healthy, is much longer than your career so you usually extend your career as long as you can if you can play football.

“I think Milly will be fine after his career as well but he obviously loves what he is doing and he will play football next year, definitely."

Cascarino the former Gillingham, Millwall and Republic of Ireland striker turned Talksport pundit believes that Milner can help guide the next generation of Reds stars much like what happened at the club around 20 years ago as the Mirror reported.

 “Steven Gerrard when he was a young man coming through, Gary McAllister joined Liverpool, I think he was 35 when he joined and he was fantastic for Gerrard.

 “I think the influence of Milner will be on Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones. And Jordan Henderson would be a similar influence (on them).

"That type of mentality in the dressing room, you can't buy that as a manager. James Milner is a team player.

Milner has never been a player to fill the highlight reel, instead he has built a career on true professionalism, ability to fill the role required in whatever his manager asks and making those around him better.

Cascarino says that is why Klopp respects him so much and why successful teams have players like Milner on their books.  

"Every dressing room meeting, every training session, every match he plays, whether he's a sub, he never shirks his responsibility for the team. That to Klopp, is really important.

"Fernandinho is the same. Why is Rodri playing to the level that he is? Is it the influence of Fernandinho and what he did for City to set the standards? Because great players set the standards for others to follow.

"He's (Milner) had 800 games, and has James Milner every played badly for anybody Newcastle, Aston Villa City and Liverpool all of them, he has played really well for over a long period of time. That in itself is incredible.

"He still offers something. Will he be in the team every week - no. But will he be a part of the bigger picture, driving the younger players - absolutely."