Kevin Keegan believes the midfielder – who didn't feature for the last nine games of the campaign - was in danger of suffering burnout before his enforced absence.

Milner just failed to return to full fitness in time for the season finale, and headed off this week to enjoy his first full close-season break in three years.

Earlier in the year Milner – who has been on England Under-21 duty over the past two summers, along with club-mate Steven Taylor – admitted non-stop football for club and country had taken its toll, and Keegan gave him a week off to help him recharge his batteries.

And reflecting on Milner's recent spell on the sidelines, Keegan told the Gazette: "In some ways this break - as difficult as it has been for him - might have been the best thing.

"He's played every season and every close season for the last three years.

"If you remember, I gave him a week off halfway through our bad run because I just felt he needed a break."

Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has excused both Milner and Taylor from England's end-of-season friendly against Wales, opting to give his less-experienced players a chance to impress ahead of next year's European Championships in Sweden.

And the summer break will be just as important to Taylor, who has been carrying an ankle problem, which needs rest to heal, for some time now.