The prospect of confirming a return to the Champions League means James Milner is already considering the importance of a strong start to pre-season.

Liverpool secured fourth place in the Premier League with the final-day win over Middlesbrough but a ticket into the group stages of Europe’s elite club competition remains a two-legged play-off away.

That crucial tie will come in August but the preparations towards it, and of course the new league campaign, are set to begin in earnest during the opening week of next month.

Milner is enjoying the current opportunity to rest and recharge after missing only two Premier League games last term, though the vice-captain’s focus rarely wavers from the job.

“The off season is always a funny one – you enjoy yourself and relax but you’ve always got one eye on pre-season and making sure you’re right and ready to go again,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“Obviously it’s a big start to the season for us.

“Pre-season is always tough, nobody particularly enjoys it. But with the tours and the [Champions League] qualifier we want to hit the ground running and start the season well. So it’s important you’re ready to go.”

Liverpool’s 16-point increase on the previous campaign catapulted them up four positions in the Premier League standings, with their record against close rivals outstanding.

Jürgen Klopp’s side were unbeaten in 12 meetings with Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, winning seven.

And although early-season optimism regarding a possible challenge for the title fell away, Milner is in no doubt that the confidence boost of a top-four finish will aid the Reds as they try to improve again.

“It’s not easy to get into the qualifiers even – top four in the Premier League is tough,” said the No.7.

“We’ve done part of the job but we have to finish that now. It would be disappointing not to make it after all the hard work we did last year. I’m sure we will.

“We’re improving all the time as a team and you can see that over the last couple of years since the manager has come in. We’re moving in the right direction.

“New faces come in over the summer and the squad is a year older as well. It is a pretty young squad so that experience of having a successful season last year and hopefully getting some more confidence there can stand us in good stead for the season.”