Creating chances has always been strength of mine: Milner

Liverpool midfielder James Milner thinks – at the age of 32 – he is finally changing perceptions of him as he tops the table of Champions League assists this season.

The Reds vice-captain has created seven of the 28 goals Jurgen Klopp’s side have scored in Europe despite just 341 minutes of pitch time.

That is three better than teammate Roberto Firmino, Paris St Germain forward Neymar, Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard of Chelsea – all of whom have played at least 100 minutes more.

“There has been a bit of banter about it. It’s nice to have, it helps me shut down any arguments if there is any banter going on in the dressing room,” he said ahead of the visit of Porto, who are seeking to become the first team in the competition’s history to overturn a 5-0 first-leg deficit.

“I just want to contribute to the team. Throughout my career I’ve managed to create goals for the team I have played at.

“That’s a strength of mine even though I am seen as a bit of a workhorse who runs around a bit. Throughout the years if you look at the stats I have created a few goals. Hopefully I can keep doing that.”

Klopp will resist the urge to rest key players and will probably only make up to three changes, fitness and illness permitting.

Fellow midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is still struggling with illness but youngster Ben Woodburn has recovered from his bout of sickness.

Meanwhile Paris St Germain aim to turn around a 3-1 first-leg deficit tonight against Real Madrid, who have won the Champions League three times in the last four years.

Kylian Mbappe and Marquinhos returned to training on Sunday and Javier Pastore followed suit yesterday, meaning Neymar is PSG’s only absentee.

Real have doubts over midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as they bid to reach the semi-finals for a ninth successive season.