James Milner has claimed that he already has pre-season training on his mind ahead of Liverpool's campaign.

The season will begin early for the Reds as they are due to play in a Champions League qualifier in the weeks before the Premier League campaign gets underway on August 12.

Milner, who spent the 2016-17 season playing in an unfamiliar left-back role, has insisted that he and his teammates want to "hit the ground running" when they return for pre-season preparations.

"The off season is always a funny one - you enjoy yourself and relax but you've always got one eye on pre-season and making sure you're right and ready to go again," the 31-year-old told the club's official website.

"Obviously it's a big start to the season for us. Pre-season is always tough, nobody particularly enjoys it. But with the tours and the [Champions League] qualifier we want to hit the ground running and start the season well. So, it's important you're ready to go."

Liverpool's opening league match of the season will be away to Watford at Vicarage Road.