There’s always been the hope that James Milner will return to Elland Road.
Yet the signs last night suggest that return - if it ever happens - could come in a very different capacity at Leeds United one day.
While the 34-year-old remains pivotal to a Liverpool side now dominating Europe, it looks less than likely that he'll grace the all-white of his boyhood club any time soon.
Yet if last night is anything to go by, Milner might one day have a career leading from the sidelines.
He was cited as playing an integral role in helping Liverpool’s youngsters in their FA Cup challenge - a 1-0 win against Shrewsbury at Anfield.
As has been much-publicised, the Reds didn’t play any first teamers in their 4th round replay against Shrewsbury at Anfield last night.
Manager Jürgen Klopp wasn’t present for the match, due to his dispute about the match being scheduled during the Premier League winter break, with management left to Liverpool’s under 23s coach Neil Critchley.
While his teammates used the break for a holiday, Milner remained in Liverpool to support his club’s aspiring young players.
“He (Milner) trained with us yesterday and he asked whether he could come along. It was like, ‘yeah, I think the answer’s yes to that one. Of course you can’,” Critchley said.
“It was very respectful to ask, and then he said ‘can I come in the dressing room’ and you’re thinking ‘what do you think? Of course’.
“To have someone like him, obviously he’s achieved so much in the game but that’s because of who he is, and he was giving words of advice to the players.
“He was getting right behind the players, he was vocal in the dressing room, he was animated behind me, I could hear him.
“And he was genuinely delighted with how the boys performed, and I can’t thank him enough for being here tonight.”
It is fair to say Milner is showing qualities which might see him become a coach in the future.
And, if Leeds United don’t ever get the benefit of seeing him play again for the Whites, then maybe he could be helping in the dugout and on the training pitch coaching the next generation in his hometown.
We imagine any type of Milner return to Leeds United would be welcomed with open arms.
