Source: Team_Talk
Europea League date for MacDonald
Randy Lerner has given caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald the green light to remain in charge for Aston Villa's Europa League trip to Rapid Vienna.[LNB] MacDonald took the reins at Villa Park after Martin O'Neill's shock decision to resign as manager earlier this week.[LNB]Villa buried all the distractions of O'Neill's exit - and James Milner's proposed move to Manchester City - by turning in a commanding performance as West Ham were swept aside 3-0 on Saturday.[LNB]Stewart Downing and Stiliyan Petrov put Villa into a commanding lead before Milner wrapped up the victory in what could be his final match for the club.[LNB]MacDonald said: "I saw Randy. He came in to see me and was obviously delighted with how the team played.[LNB]"He said to get preparing now for Thursday's game.[LNB]"It's too soon after the game to say I want the job (full-time).[LNB]"I'm still on that high because we won 3-0. Tomorrow I might not have enjoyed it as much as I should have done.[LNB]"It can only get worse after winning 3-0 - maybe I should retire now!"[LNB]MacDonald revealed negotiations over Milner's proposed move to Manchester City are still locked "in stalemate" - but he admitted there could be a breakthrough at any stage.[LNB]The England international appears to be on the verge of a move to to Eastlands in a deal, believed to be worth £30million, which could see Stephen Ireland heading in the opposite direction.[LNB]Despite all the discussions, Milner started against West Ham and turned the pre-match jeers into cheers as he left Villa Park to a standing ovation.[LNB]"It wasn't very easy for him out there. There were a few grumblings (from the fans) but that shows how good he is and how tough he is," said MacDonald.[LNB]"Within five minutes the crowd realised James is still James. He's an Aston Villa player and wants to do the best he can do.[LNB]"The ovation at the end of the game was rightly deserved. James is a tough lad, he gets on with the game and tries to improve himself, football-wise and physically.[LNB]"That's why I had no problems playing him.[LNB]"I think he's held in very high esteem throughout the country and that's why other clubs are trying to buy him.[LNB]"The latest I heard, there was still a stalemate with Man City. But that could change within hours."[LNB]West Ham manager Avram Grant admitted his new side had been comprehensively outplayed by Villa, who seemed a fitter and more determined outfit.[LNB]"I was not pleased with the performance and not with the result, even if the first goal was from a clear offside," said Grant.[LNB]"We didn't play well. They were better than us. Villa played sharp and quick like we planned to do. It was not so good.[LNB]"It is the beginning of the season. I spoke with the players when we started and I said I wanted to see how the players react when we win and when we lose.[LNB]"One thing you see in all my teams before is that they react well to a defeat like this. There is a lot to learn from this game and I am sure the season will look much, much better."
