Milner was tied with former England international Gareth Barry on 653 appearances coming into the weekend, and Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler named the 40-year-old veteran in midfield.
Having made his Premier League debut as a 16-year-old for Leeds United in 2002, Milner has also played for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool in a career spanning over two decades.
Milner, who had signed a one-year contract extension with Brighton in June, has made 15 league appearances for the south-coast club this season.