James Milner folded his arms and fixed a glare that made it abundantly clear he was not interested in discussing what-ifs and possibilities.
The eldest member of the Liverpool squad had been unexpectedly called up at Newcastle and produced the kind of performance that has made him so trusted by Jurgen Klopp. He was a constant, snapping menace who would not let standards drop.
It says everything about Milner’s ability — and durability — that he continues to make a difference. Now 36, he and Divock Origi are the only starters from Klopp’s first game, at Tottenham in October 2015, still at Anfield.