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Liverpool veteran James Milner has been speaking about how impressed he has been with 18 year old Harvey Elliott as he continues his rehab after suffering a horrific ankle injury at Elland Road in September.

Serious Injury

The youngster, signed from Fulham, impressed so much during pre-season that he forced himself into Jurgen Klopp's Premier League starting XI for the home match against Burnley and stayed there until disaster struck at Elland Road.

As Elliott counter attacked, Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk slid in to retrieve the ball with the Liverpool midfielder landing awkwardly and dislocating his ankle.

Milner, talking to Liverpool's official website as part of a Q and A couldn't be more impressed by the mental resolve of the youngster.

Mental Strength

"He's been so positive from the start, to be honest. I was talking about mental strength before, as soon as it happened, the things he was saying, he talks like he's been through it all before and he's a 30-odd-year-old player. He's incredible. He's got a great mindset, he's done all his work, he's progressing really well. Not too far off getting rid of the crutches, I think, which is fantastic."

Social Media And Rehab Progress

Liverpool's vice skipper also joked that being on crutches is not a bad thing for Elliott if it means it keeps him away from social media.

"You just need to keep that phone out of his hands, so I think it's good when he's on his crutches because he can't be on Insta and Twitter and all that! But he's working really hard and that's the thing that people don't see. They see the stuff in the gym and the videos, but at home now and he's on his crutches and he's doing band work and just lifting his leg up to keep the strength in his muscles."

On a more serious note, Milner acknowledged how difficult it can be rehabilitating after a serious injury.

"It's so boring and would be easy not to do, but that's the hard work that gives you the basis to push on through. He's doing really well and that's great to see."

It speaks volumes of Harvey Elliott's character that he receives such praise from one of the game's ultimate professionals.

Let's hope the good progress made in rehab continues as Reds fans will be desperate to see Elliott back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

This article first appeared on FanNation LFC Transfer Room and was syndicated with permission.

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