O'Neill: Aston Villa's Milner Should Go To World Cup

'Brilliant' Villan could be key for Three Lions in South Africa.

Dec 6, 2009 12:23:30 PM

More On :  Aston Villa, England
EPL: James Milner, Aston Villa - Hull (Getty Images)
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill reckons James Milner's versatility should gain him a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
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O'Neill labelled winger Milner's performance in the 3-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday as "brilliant" after the 23-year-old grabbed a goal and an assist as his side cruised to a comfortable victory.

"Milner was brilliant," said O'Neil in the Sunday Mirror, after the winger switched to a central midfield role.

"That is the second game in a row he has played in central midfield for us and he performed as if he has been there all his career."

Milner has played on both flanks, right-back and as a second striker for Aston Villa in addition to being used by Fabio Capello in a left-back role at one stage.

"I always felt he was capable of doing that. It is a different game when you move inside. I know that from my own experience at Nottingham Forest. You see a different game," added the Villa boss.

"But he performed brilliantly. The great thing about James is that versatility.

"Apart from being on the wings, he has played right-back on a couple of occasions and can do that as well.

"He is really thriving here and has taken his game on a notch or two."

Milner's ability to slot in a number of positions should catch Capello's eye, added O'Neill.

"Eventually Fabio Capello must have one or two players in that group of candidates who can play in two or three positions," he said.

"I said to James at the start of the season he could play in the middle and he is proving me right."

James Daly, Goal.com

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