James Milner appointed Liverpool's vice-captain

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has high expectations for James Milner's first season at Anfield.

The versatile Milner will be Liverpool's vice-captain, Rodgers announced while speaking at a press conference Friday. Milner will serve as an understudy to Jordan Henderson.

Milner, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City this summer, was selected over Martin Skrtel, who has spent seven-and-a-half years at the Merseyside club.

Rodgers defended his decision by expressing confidence in Milner.

"He is someone I admired from the outside for a long time," Rodgers said. "He's played at this level since he was 16 years of age and has played for some fantastic clubs."

Rodgers continued:

He went to Man City and did a great job and when the possibility he was going to be available (arose), obviously you're surprised but then you're hoping you can get him to come to your club because he's the type of player who gives everything.

His actual football talent has probably gone under the radar because he's played around some outstanding talents, but this is a guy who works tirelessly at his game. He's in here at 7:45am in the morning making sure he's prepared for his training, getting all of his food supplements and getting everything correct before training - he's in two-and-a-half hours before he trains and then does his work, gives his maximum. He prepares himself like an elite player should.

He's also got big character and a big mentality, and I felt we needed that in the team to the extent where he will be the vice-captain this year.

Jordan has been appointed the captain, but he'll be a great ally for him because he leads by example. James is a wonderful, wonderful footballer and a big personality in the dressing room as well.

His commitment, his qualities, how dynamic he is on the training field and how demanding he is of other players. That in terms of the captaincy and vice-captaincy can work really well for us.