Milner: Returning strikers can change Reds' fortunes
James Milner believes the return of Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino to full fitness could have a big effect on Liverpool's fortunes as the season progresses.
The forward duo both made an appearance from the bench during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Southampton, having recently overcome hamstring and back injuries respectively.
Benteke marked his comeback by scoring a fantastic header late in the second half, while his Brazilian colleague was a bright presence in attack as the Reds pursued the three points.
And, though Sadio Mane's late equaliser allowed the visitors to snatch a share of the points on this occasion, Milner is confident that the two returning summer signings will make such an outcome less likely in the future.
"[Benteke's goal] wasn't bad, was it? It's ridiculous, it's great to have him back, Roberto as well," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"It'll be great to have [Jordan] Henderson, [Danny] Ings, [Joe] Gomez and [Jordan] Rossiter as well.
"It's tough. We don't want to talk too much about injuries, it's an easy excuse and we don't want to go down that route, we're better than that. We have quality players regardless of our injury list.
"But to get Christian back is great. The strikers we have at the club offer different things, they're a good mix, and there will be a lot of changes to the way we play."
Jürgen Klopp has yet to taste victory as Liverpool manager having overseen draws with Tottenham Hotspur, Rubin Kazan and Southampton in his first three games in charge.
But Milner doesn't feel the Reds are too far away from claiming a maiden victory under the German.
"I don't think we are that far away," he added.
"Southampton are a strong team, Spurs are a strong team, the teams we have been playing and the fixtures we've got out of the way away from home – they're tough games.
"We feel we can perform a lot better but we're not losing the games, looking on the positive side."
The No.7 also reflected on the recent habit of conceding equalisers shortly after going ahead, which he wants his teammates to stamp out immediately.
"That's something that we have to address and make sure it doesn't become a mental problem," he continued.
"It is frustrating. I don't think we played as well as we did in midweek. It was another game in the legs but I think we probably did enough to win the game.
"It was a disappointing way to draw. We didn't have too many chances after they scored, and that was another disappointment.
"We didn't react, and mentally we didn't have that reaction to go again after they scored."