Monday 5 March 2018 16:48, UK
Liverpool midfielder James Milner believes the fact he tops the table for Champions League assists this season proves he is more than just a "workhorse who runs about a bit".
Milner has created seven of the 28 goals Liverpool have scored in the competition this term, despite playing just 341 minutes for the Reds in Europe.
The 32-year-old's seven assists puts him three clear of team-mate Roberto Firmino, Chelsea's Eden Hazard, PSG forward Neymar and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
Milner believes he is finally changing perceptions of his game and admits it has become something of a joke within the Liverpool squad.
"I've been mentioning it? I think it's more the other way around to be honest," said Milner, speaking ahead of Tuesday's visit of Champions League opponents Porto.
"There has been a bit of banter about it. It's nice to have, it helps me shut down any arguments if there is any banter going on in the dressing room.
"I just want to contribute to the team. Throughout my career I've managed to create goals for the team I have played at.
"That's a strength of mine even though I am seen as a bit of a workhorse who runs around a bit. Throughout the years if you look at the stats I have created a few goals. Hopefully I can keep doing that."
Liverpool have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after emphatically beating Porto 5-0 in the first-leg of their last-16 tie in Portugal last month.
However, Milner insist the job is not yet complete ahead of the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday night, and has urged his team-mates to take things one game at a time.
"We are improving all the time since I've been here as a team," he added. "Moving forward we are an exciting team to watch. I think we are learning to manage games better than we have done in the past. That maturity is coming through.
"At this stage of the tournament you need to have a belief that you can go on and win it, although still take it a game at a time.
"We have proved over the last few years we can beat anyone on our day but it is about being consistent, learning from the mistakes you've made and not looking too far ahead.
"The only thing we are focusing on is putting in a good performance and getting a win tomorrow night."
