Source: Telegraph
Manchester City v Liverpool: James Milner eyes central midfield role at Eastlands
Milner, who completed his protracted £24m move from Aston Villa last Thursday, is expected to be thrust straight into the starting line-up by manager Roberto Mancini against Roy Hodgson's team.[LNB]Mancini has admitted that the 24 year-old's versatility was a key factor in his lengthy pursuit of the England international.[LNB] Related ArticlesMancini: Balotelli can be better than TorresManchester City v Liverpool: match previewAdebayor to reject Real and fight for City placeDavid Silva fears Torres impactBalotelli plays down knee injury fearsStephen Ireland felt 'unwanted' at CityBut while the former Leeds and Newcastle player insists that he is willing to play anywhere for Mancini, he admits that he is eyeing a central midfield berth in a Manchester City shirt.[LNB]Milner said: "Wherever the manager wants me to play, I'll do it to the best of my ability.[LNB]"But I enjoy playing in the middle. That's probably my best position and where I've shown by best form over the past 18 months.[LNB]'I've been most creative and scored goals from there and I've enjoyed it immensely.[LNB]"I think that's where the boss has signed me to play, but if he asks me to play anywhere else I'll do what is best for the team.'[LNB]Milner was a fixture in Martin O'Neill's Villa team last season, but with an abundance of midfield options at City, Mancini is facing a regular dilemma over who to select in his midfield.[LNB]And Milner concedes that he cannot expect to play every week at City due to the competition for places.[LNB]He said: 'You need competition at any successful club because, if players are comfortable whether they play well or not, then performances are going to slip.[LNB]"You need players pushing each other every day to step out on that pitch.[LNB]'And if you know you are going to be replaced if you don't perform, then that's healthy for the team."[LNB]Liverpoo forward Fernando Torres could start against City after proving his fitness following a groin injury sustained during the World Cup final.[LNB]Liverpool manager Hodgson said: "I thought Fernando looked very good against Trabzonspor and he will be all the better for the 45 minutes.[LNB]"He almost scored with his first touch of the ball and we are really pleased that he is back. We know what he can produce and he didn't look like he was short of fitness.[LNB]"He showed he is back to his best and his energy and enthusiasm were vital for us. It did make a difference but when you have players of his class it does make a difference.[LNB]"We know what we've got in Fernando and it's really nice to see him back, but it's important now that we manage his fitness because it's quite early for him to be playing now.'[LNB]
