Milner’s sick note

KOP ACE FEELS HEAT

JAMES MILNER admitted Liverpool will be “sick” if they slip up in the race to the Champions League.

But the Reds full-back insists they are not getting jittery, despite him missing a penalty in Sunday’s goalless draw at home to Southampton.

Liverpool were helped by Arsenal beating Manchester United later in the day, which means if they win their last two games, against West Ham and Middlesbrough, they will finally return to the Champions League.

They have been in the top four since September, so dropping out now would be even more painful.

Milner said: “How would we feel if we didn’t make it? Sick. This is a club that needs to be in the Champions League.

“We will be in Europe but the Champions League is where everyone ® wants to play. This was a big moment, in terms of missing the penalty.

“There was a lot riding on it and I have to take the responsibility. But hopefully we will get a bit of luck and finish the job.”

The Gunners and United can pile on the pressure with both teams having games in hand on Liverpool.

But Milner, 31, said: “I don’t think nerves are in the dressing room. We are a young squad, yes, but I feel we are still trying to play the right way.”

The former Manchester City man, who is happy to remain as his side’s penalty taker, also claimed he was not rattled by Saints keeper Fraser Forster scuffing the spot and getting in his face before he missed his kick.

He said: “It never affected me. I knew what I wanted to do. I just didn’t get it in the corner that I fancied.”