Source: Daily_Mail
O'Neill tells Milner: I'm no Villan for making you play in central midfield
Martin O'Neill insists he is 'not doing a disservice' to Aston Villa winger James Milner's World Cup hopes by moving him into a central midfield role.[LNB]Middle man: James Milner (left) tries to get past Manchester United's Wes Brown[LNB]Milner has forced his way into contention for Fabio Capello's squad for South Africa after impressing with his work-rate and crossing ability on the right flank.[LNB]He has been switched alongside Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov for the past three games including Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford.[LNB]But O'Neill bristles at the suggestion the move will damage the 23-year-old's international prospects and believes it will enhance them ahead of tonight's Barclays Premier League clash at Sunderland.[LNB]O'Neill said: 'I said to James in the summer that he could play in central midfield. We talked about it and, for me, it was not as big a gamble as you think because I had watched him train and thought he was capable of doing that.[LNB]'His performances in there have been very encouraging. He is a very good player. He came essentially as a wide right player who could also play wide left.[LNB]Happy to make changes: Martin O'Neill has switched James Milner from out wide[LNB]'It is only when you watch him train, you feel he is capable of playing in a few other positions. He is very comfortable at doing that.[LNB]'We are all pleased with the development of him as a player and his ability to play in a number of positions would enhance his credentials for England rather than the other way around.[LNB]'I don't think for one second I am doing him a disservice in terms of England. I don't think James does either.[LNB]'When the squad is eventually picked, there will be room for one or two "play-anywhere" players. Eventually, when everyone settles down, people would like to play in their proper positions. But James has distinguished himself in positions you probably wouldn't have thought probable some time ago.'[LNB]Villa will go to the Stadium of Light in buoyant mood after toppling Liverpool, Chelsea and now Manchester United this season to climb into fourth spot in the table.[LNB]O'Neill said: 'There is a good belief about the team. That is because we've been playing well and confidence is very, very important. If you ally that to a bit of talent in the team, then you've got a bit of a chance. We've got a bit of confidence about ourselves primarily because we look as though we are dangerous going forward.[LNB]'While there are other aspects of our game we could attempt to improve on, andwould need to improve on, if we are to hang in there, then that is fine.'[LNB] England's finest fall from grace: Gerrard and Rooney join divers' listBruce faces Bardsley dilemma after cult hero Nyron Nosworthy's heroicsSunderland star Cattermole ready for Villa clash after remarkable recoveryVIDEO: Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill stresses the need for consistency ahead of visit to SunderlandASTON VILLA FC
