Neil Critchley paid tribute to James Milner for role he played in inspiring the young Liverpool side during their FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.
Milner was at Anfield to show his support as the young Reds beat the League One side 1-0 to set up a fifth-round tie against Chelsea.
Although many of his senior team-mates and boss Jurgen Klopp are currently away on holiday for their scheduled mid-season break, the 34-year-old stayed behind for a few extra days to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
And Under-23 boss Critchley, who took charge of the Reds for the fourth-round replay, thanked the veteran for his help both before and during the game.
"He trained with us yesterday and he asked whether he could come along," said Critchley after Ro-Shaun Williams' own goal sealed victory for his side.
"I think the answer is 'Yes, of course you can.' It was very respectful to ask."
"He then said 'Can I come in the dressing room?'. What do you think? 'Of course'.
"He was giving words of advice, he was getting right behind the players. He was vocal in the dressing room. He was animated. He was vocal behind me, I could hear him.
"He was genuinely delighted at how the boys performed and I can't thank him enough."
Liverpool boss Klopp made the controversial decision that he neither he nor his first team stars would be present for the replay against Shrewsbury after they were held to a surprise 2-2 draw in their initial meeting.
It meant that Under-23 boss Critchley was left in charge of a senior game for the second time this season and named the club's youngest-ever starting line-up, with an average age of 19 years and 102 days.
Just as he did for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa, while he was away at the Club World Cup, Klopp watched the game from afar and sent messages of support before and after the match.
"The boss was in touch this afternoon with some words of advice and encouragement," added Critchley.
"We had a message from the staff that he is delighted with the performance and is buzzing. We have given him a game against Chelsea to look forward to.
"He just gives you total clarity, belief, play the Liverpool way, go for it. And that is what the first team do. This is us, this is how we play, this is what we stand for and you had better be ready for it."
