Milner: Reds showed fight to beat Swansea

The Reds emerged triumphant over Garry Monk's side thanks to the midfielder's second-half penalty, won when Neil Taylor handled a Jordon Ibe cross inside the Kop end box.

Although the performance itself was not the most convincing seen since Jürgen Klopp took charge, the victory moved his team within six points of top spot in the Barclays Premier League.

And Milner believes the hosts deserve praise for overcoming the blustery conditions at Anfield to claim a vital win over dogged opponents.

"I think with the conditions it was never going to be the prettiest of games and we probably couldn't move [the ball] as well as we would've liked normally," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

"But we got the three points and that was the main thing - that was the only thing that mattered. 

"After the performance last week [against Manchester City], it would've been a waste getting those three points if we didn't follow it up and we managed to do that against a good side.

"It's so important just to get the three points. You're not always going to play well and [you have to] grind out those games and get the wins when the conditions are a bit blowy, it's a bit colder, and the pitch is bobbly, you need to show that fight. 

"Not every game can be the perfect match where it's pass, pass, pass. To show that side is pleasing and you know you're going to need that, it's a long season."

Liverpool have won six of their last seven outings in all competitions and are handily placed to push for the Champions League qualification berths during the typically gruelling festive period.

Milner is of the opinion that the momentum Klopp's team have picked up of late could help them emerge from that busy run in an even healthier league position.

"I think if you look at the fixtures we've played already, we've played a lot of tough teams away from home, so that's obviously nice," he added.

"We're coming into a busy period now in good form. 

"There are so many games over Christmas, the league table changes a lot over that period, and hopefully it changes for the better and we keep moving up, working hard, and improving."

Further reason for cheer was provided during the win over Swansea as both Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson brought an end to their recent lay-offs to feature from the bench.

The latter's introduction meant Milner gave up the armband that he has worn with pride since August, but the No.7 has no mixed feelings over the return of the club captain.

And he was equally delighted to see the prolific Sturridge back in the fold.

"It's amazing to see those two back, they're top players," he enthused.

"Any team in the league would miss them so to get them back is great. It's a great honour for me to wear that armband but I'm delighted I've passed it on to Jordan because it means he's back in the team. 

"He's a top player and we need him. Hopefully those two can stay fit. 

"It shows the depth that we've got in the squad now, you look at the bench today, how strong it was, and there are still a number of players out."