Liverpool vice-captain James Milner has hailed defender Jon Flanagan as "incredible" due to his recent performance against Stoke City in the Capital One Cup

The midfielder has joined several players and staff in praising the 23-year-old's ability and determination following his injury nightmare.

Flanagan lasted 105 minutes before being replaced by Jordan Ibe in extra time in his first start since the closing fixture of the 2013/14 Premier League season against Newcastle United but the Merseyside born defender never looked out of place.

After more than 600 days out with injury, 'the scouse cafu' will be hoping to kick on from his injury hell and become an integral component in Jurgen Klopp's side.

James Milner Hails Flanagan

Milner has heaped major praise on England international Flanagan with the player being one of the major talking points in the narrow win over Stoke on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old took the place of the injured Nathaniel Clyne and put in a fantastic shift as manager Klopp labelled him 'man of the match'

Milner called Flanagan "Incredible" and admitted he could not "say enough good things about him." He further praised the full back for always making "the right decision."

"The amount of time he has been out, I don't think there are too many players in the world who could have come and played 100- odd minutes" Milner added. 

Milner was impressive in his performance also as the Reds progressed into the League Cup Final at Wembley with Manchester City announced as their opponents after being Everton 3-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday

Injury Hell

Jon Flanagan training after recovering from injury hell (image: Liverpool Echo)
Jon Flanagan training after recovering from injury hell (image: Liverpool Echo)

The 30-year-old was sympathetic towards the youngster's injury troubles but says that his return was "a great story".

After 619 days out Flanagan returned to the side to a standing ovation against Exeter City at Anfield in the FA Cup as his arrival recieved one of the largest ovations this season. 

Milner commended the desire of the defender as he said, "the hard-working that no-one sees in the gym until five or six o’clock every day: the long hours: am I going to get back?"

The former Manchester City player said he could understand the crowd reaction as it was "amazing to see" as he said the return of Flanagan to the side will be something the local fans will be pleased about.

He said "It was an unbelievable performance from him and amazing to see:  The fans want to see a local boy do well. It is a great story"

Flanagan is out of contract in the summer but with performances such as the one on Tuesday a deal is likely to be struck soon, with Liverpool lacking any local talent in the side the return of 'the scouse cafu' will be a hugely welcomed one following the departure of club hero Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool are set to face Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley in February which will see James Milner and Rahem Sterling both face their old clubs. 

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Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]