Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praises James Milner after Brisbane win

Brendan Rodgers: Impressed with James Milner's display.

Brendan Rodgers labelled James Milner a “class act” after he scored the winner in Liverpool’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Brisbane Roar.

The 29-year-old, who moved to Anfield on a free transfer from Manchester City, found the net in the 75th minute as the Reds came from behind to win.

Playing in the more central role he covets, he also provided the pass for Adam Lallana's 27th-minute equaliser in an impressive performance that had his manager purring.

"James Milner is a class act," he told reporters. "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."

After falling behind in the 17th minute, Liverpool responded well and Milner’s goal ensured they made it two wins from two on their pre-season tour.

"We wanted more goals from midfield and when you see James, that was the idea," Rodgers added.

"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.

"He's going to be huge for us and working closely with him I can really see why he is really regarded as a top class professional."

While Rodgers was happy to heap praise on Milner and his other new signings - Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne - he was less inclined to talk about any more potential new arrivals.

"No," he replied when asked if he would comment on reports that Liverpool have triggered Christian Benteke's £32.5m release clause.

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Brisbane Roar 1-2 Liverpool: James Milner and Adam Lallana on target

James Milner: Scores the winner against Brisbane Roar

New recruit James Milner scored his first Liverpool goal as the Reds battled back to secure a 2-1 pre-season victory over Brisbane Roar.

The Premier League side were well supported at the Suncorp stadium and named a strong starting XI that included summer signings Danny Ings, Nathaniel Clyne, Milner and Joe Gomez.

Although they fell behind to a 17th-minute goal from Dimitri Petratos, they soon responded as Adam Lallana curled a shot into the far corner.

Brisbane provided better competition that Liverpool's first tour opponents, Thai All-Stars, but Milner's 75th-minute goal ensured the Reds came out on top.

Brendan Rodgers' side might have thought themselves at home when the crowd of more than 50,000 gave a stirring pre-match rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' on a chilly evening more typical of Merseyside than tropical Queensland.

Brisbane, Australia's champions for three of the last five years, matched the Reds in the early stages and opened the scoring when Petratos took two touches on the edge of the box before drilling the ball inside the post.

Milner and Ings both had chances to equalise before Lallana got the visitors back on level terms in the 27th minute.

It was Milner's pass which found Lallana on the left side of the box and the midfielder beat his defender with a deft touch before curling the ball into the net with his right.

Liverpool pressed for a second goal before the break and went close when Mamadou Sakho had a header cleared off the line.

The Reds continued to control possession in the second half and Jordan Henderson was denied by a sharp save from the keeper.

Substitute Jordon Ibe also had an effort kept out before Milner struck the winner late in the game.

Taking the ball on the edge of the penalty area, he nutmegged one defender before his scuffed shot deceived the keeper and went into the middle of the goal.

Liverpool next face Adelaide United on Monday (10.30am BST) before heading to Malaysia and then Finland to complete their pre-season tour.

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Former Liverpool winger Brian Hall dies at age of 68

Brian Hall enjoys lap of honour at Wembley after Liverpool's FA Cup win in 1974

Former Liverpool winger Brian Hall has died at the age of 68.

Hall, who played for Liverpool between 1969 and 1976, had been battling leukaemia for a number of years.

Born in Glasgow, Hall scored 21 goals in 224 appearances for the Reds before moving on to Plymouth and Burnley.

Hall played under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, winning two League Championship medals, two UEFA Cup medals and an FA Cup winners' medal.

His most famous individual goal for the Reds was also his first for the club, as he scored the winner in the 1971 FA Cup semi-final against Everton at Old Trafford – although they went on to lose in the final.

Hall, who was a university graduate, returned to Liverpool in 1991 to take charge of the club's public relations department before retiring in 2011 due to health reasons.

Hall's former team-mate Ray Clemence and ex-Reds striker John Aldridge took to Twitter to express their condolences.

Clemence wrote: "So sad to hear of Brian Hall, good player, great man. Thoughts are with Mary and the family.”

Aldridge added: "Very sad news for all LFC fans. Brian Hall passed away today. What a gentleman a lovely man. Our thoughts are with his family.”

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Jordan Henderson tipped to be a great Liverpool captain by Kolo Toure

Jordan Henderson: Can fill the boots of Steven Gerrard, according to Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure believes that Jordan Henderson will be a great Liverpool captain after the midfielder replaced Steven Gerrard as Reds skipper.

Henderson has been given the armband following Gerrard’s departure to LA Galaxy and Toure is sure that the 25-year-old will be a big success in his new role.

Toure said: "Jordan is a great young player and before Stevie went he was really close to Stevie and he learned a lot from him.

"He is really intelligent and really strong and he can fill the boots of a big man like Steven Gerrard – he’s a great, great player."

Toure also revealed that he expects Liverpool to be challenging for honours this term, adding: "We have some unbelievable young players in our team but this season is going to be really tough for them.

"But I think with the experience we have, and with the young players we have, we can do something, definitely."

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