Source: Team_Talk
Milner: Villa can challenge big guns
Milner admits it was "a waste" that Martin O'Neill's side threw away the opportunity to reach the group stages of the Europa League after being in the top six of the Premier League for all of last season.
But the England winger has faith in the revamped squad at O'Neill's disposal to compete with the league's leading clubs after an end-of-season slump saw them overtaken by Arsenal and Everton.
Villa chalked up their sixth successive victory of the season in all competitions when they defeated Cardiff 1-0 to reach the last 16 of the Carling Cup.
Milner said: "Going out of Europe was disappointing. It's important a club like Villa are playing in Europe. It was a blow to go out so early particularly after all the hard work we had put in last season.
"When we didn't get through to the group stages of the Europa League, it was such a waste.
"Now we need to take that negative and turn it into our favour in league games, which we have done so far, and hopefully be back in Europe again next season.
"We want to improve year on year and the Champions League has to be a target although it's probably tougher than last season because of all the money spent by clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham.
"But we have a lot of quality. The manager has made some good signings and it's important we gel as a squad.
"We started the season with a disappointing result (against Wigan) but we have bounced back and that shows the character in the squad. We've had a few good games now and we need to keep improving."
Milner is happy to remain as Villa's penalty taker despite missing his spot-kick against Cardiff.
After netting two earlier in the campaign against Rapid Vienna and Portsmouth, he hit the post last night.
Milner is determined to hit the target more regularly after being given the freedom to attack.
Villa's £12million capture from Newcastle said: "I don't really set targets. Maybe I should because I want to score more although I'm not thinking of a specific number.
"The way we have been playing gives me freedom to go and attack.
"We've looked pretty solid defensively and it's a great system when we are going forward. But I'm happy as long as I'm contributing to the team, whether it's scoring or creating chances.
"As for the penalties, I am quite happy to take them despite missing one now. Ashley Young scored one at Liverpool and missed one against Rapid Vienna so, when we were given another one, I took it.
"I usually took them last season when Gareth (Barry) wasn't playing."
Milner admits any thoughts of being involved in the World Cup next summer are on the back-burner and that he faces a big enough fight to hold down a regular spot with Villa.
He said: "I'm happy to get in the Villa team, never mind the England team!
"Every player wants to go to the World Cup but the only thing I am thinking about is the next game and doing as well as I can for Villa."
