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James Milner believes Capital One Cup glory could usher in a new era of success at Liverpool FC – and says “this is why I came to Anfield."

The midfielder helped secure his side a Wembley place on Tuesday as they saw off Stoke City after a penalty shootout at Anfield.

Milner has already tasted League Cup glory with former club Manchester City, and he hopes victory in the same competition can give Liverpool the confidence to go on and re-establish themselves as regular trophy winners.

“We’ve given ourselves a good start, we’re in the final!” he remarked. “And we’re in all the other competitions.

“Winning the FA Cup [at City] gave us the belief that we could go and win trophies. The first one is always important, to have that winning habit; to get over the line. The first one gave us the belief to go and win the league the next year.

“We’re in a final and it’s one step further than we got last year. It’s pleasing. We’ve got a lot of improving to do as well. If we can do that, it should be exciting times at the club. There’s definitely a lot more to come from this squad.”

(Image: 2016 Getty Images)

Milner made no secret of the fact his decision to join Liverpool from City on a free transfer last summer was born out of a desire both to play more football and to win silverware.

And asked if a cup final appearance vindicates his call, he replied: “Yes I think so.

“Whatever happens you make that decision and you stick to it. You hope it is the right decision and you don’t look back. That is what I have done.

“The fact that we have got to the first cup final this season, I’ve played a lot of football, I am enjoying my time immensely. I was in a fortunate position because whichever decision I had made I would have been happy I think. I had two amazing football clubs to choose from and so I was very lucky.

“But this is a completely different challenge, different club and a different squad. City had one of the highest average ages in the league with experienced players, whereas here I am unfortunately one of the more senior guys and there some younger guys here and it is a different role for me again.

“But I am enjoying it. It is a new challenge and to be in a cup final is amazing. Like I said when I came here it is not just about playing games, I want to win trophies.”

There is a lot more to come from me here

Milner himself made sure he contributed to Liverpool’s semi-final win, nervelessly converting the Reds’ fifth penalty of a dramatic shootout.

The 30-year-old has been, when fit, an ever present this season both under Brendan Rodgers and his successor Jurgen Klopp, but believes he is yet to truly find his best form.

He said: “I still think there is a lot more to come from me here. It is tough changing clubs, I have changed clubs before, played in the Premier League and played a lot of games but it does seem to take time.

“It is a big change, you are playing with different players and everything is new. I don’t think I have hit the levels I want to achieve and I know I can, but I will keep working hard and hopefully my best form will come and the fans will see the best of me.”

Whether that will be in the centre of midfield, remains to be seen. It was said to be a big reason for Milner leaving Manchester City, but in recent weeks he has again found himself operating in a wide role.

“Obviously the manager has changed,” he said. “He has got his ideas and his formations and I am sure I will get games in there as well, but at this moment in time he is deciding to play me a bit higher up and wider.

“It is not about individuals it is about the team. Whatever the team needs. Everyone has had to put a shift in this season with the injuries – hopefully I don’t play right back too many more times like I did at the end of the Stoke game! – but the team comes first.

"It always has, and I will always do what helps the team become successful.”