Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has tipped new signing James Milner to play a crucial role in the club's upcoming season.

The England international signed for the Reds on a free transfer from Manchester City last month.

The 29-year-old, who has been handed a more central midfield role since moving to Merseyside, scored his first goal for the Reds as they came from behind to seal a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar in Friday's pre-season friendly Down Under.

After the match, Rodgers told reporters: "James Milner is a class act. We had to work very hard to get him in but I think we'll see over the course of the season how important he is for us.

"He's a wonderful personality and a top class footballer. When you see him play in his favourite position, you see all these qualities come out. We wanted more goals from midfield and when you see James, that was the idea.

"Because you see when he plays in the central area he really penetrates the box. He's a top class operator and I think in this team he'll probably shine even more."

Adam Lallana also found the back of the net in the match at the Suncorp Stadium.