TIME'S RIGHT TO GIVE US ALL A REAL BREAK SAYS JAMES MINER

S'HAMPTON v LIVERPOOL, ST MARY'S > TODAY, KO 4.30PM

- SIMON MULLOCK

JAMES MILNER is the poster boy for professionalism.

But after setting his sights on the Premier League's all-time appearance record he has issued a stark warning about the increasing workload on players.

At 37 Milner is about to embark on the next chapter of an incredible career that began as a 16-year-old with hometown club Leeds and has taken him to Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.

He will leave Anfield after eight success-packed years and Brighton are one of the clubs hoping to tap into his vast experience.

Milner has played in 618 Premier League games - 14 fewer than Ryan Giggs and 35 short of close pal Gareth Barry's record of 653.

It's a testament to his dedication and determination that he wants to continue lacing up his boots.

But Milner fears that at the end of a season interrupted by the World Cup, the increasing demands of the international game are taking their toll.