James Milner sees Sunday’s Merseyside derby as the ideal opportunity for Liverpool to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Reds lost 2-1 at Parc des Princes on Wednesday - a result that leaves them needing to beat Napoli either 1-0 or by at least two clear goals at Anfield on December 11 to be certain of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, Milner and his teammates’ immediate focus is on the visit of Everton in the Premier League this weekend, when they will look to extend their unbeaten start to the top-flight season to 14 matches.

“The best teams bounce back,” the vice-captain, who scored Liverpool’s goal from the penalty spot in Paris, said.

“We have a big game at the weekend. I think it's going to be a good game and the atmosphere will be good - that will help us.

“The derbies are always great games to play in. They are on an OK run as well so it's going to be tough. It's down to us to continue our league form and bounce back.”

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The fact the Reds remain in control of their own destiny in terms of reaching the knockout rounds also gives Milner belief that they will progress in the Champions League.

“It's in our hands,” the No.7 continued.

“It isn't going to be easy, they [Napoli] are a very good team. But if you can't win your home games in the Champions League then you don't deserve to go through. I'm not concerned, we've played pretty well this season.

“We knew it was a tough group all along. To have it in your own hands going into the last game and having a home game, we'd like to have it sewn up by now for sure, but I don't think you can ask for more.

“If you had said ‘you have to win your last home game to get through the group' I think everyone would have been fine with it.

“You don't see any of the lads panicking, we are comfortable we can go and finish the job at home.”