Source: Telegraph
Premier League is our priority Martin O'Neill tells England
Capello names his squad for next week's friendly against Spain in Seville on Saturday, with Villa's Gareth Barry, Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Curtis Davies and James Milner all expected to be selected. [LNB]While on the one hand their involvement will be further evidence of the progress made under O'Neill, on the other it represents a serious concern for the Villa manager, who is keen that his squad stay fit for their Premier League, Uefa Cup and FA Cup commitments. [LNB]A weekend draw with Wigan in the League has served as a timely prompt to O'Neill that league affairs must take primacy and whatever his private regard for the Cup, it means he will rest a number of key players in tonight's fourth-round replay against Doncaster at Villa Park. [LNB]"The players have been on the go a long time," O'Neill explained. "It is a tough four months ahead and the priority for us at this stage is the Premier League."[LNB]Of course, O'Neill has no such say over international selection, but he hopes that his improving relationship with Capello will ensure that his players do not become burned out on England duty. [LNB]"I am sure I can speak to Capello on the phone," O'Neill said. "I hope the England manager would be mindful the players have played a lot of games. [LNB]"If you build a decent relationship with club and country then that shouldn't be a major problem – certainly for friendly games. I have not been in a position to ask before but if there were a number of our players picked, then I hope he would look at it from a club viewpoint ahead of a friendly game. [LNB]"It is to do with a bit of trust as we have at this football club important assets to England, whether they are in the team or the squad. I think he would be pretty amenable – I am quite sure. [LNB]"He wants to try and test players out at international level but I think he will still want players as fresh as possible for their clubs. If I was an international manager I would have a fair idea how they are feeling." [LNB]Villa midfielder James Milner has been named in the England Under-21 squad for next Tuesday's friendly against Ecuador in Malaga. [LNB]Milner, the England record holder for caps at under-21 level, was one of the players tipped for a call-up to the full squad. [LNB]However, the 23-year-old could still get the nod for the seniors clash the following day against Spain if there are injuries. [LNB]Capello looked at Michael Mancienne for the friendly against Germany in November but the Chelsea defender is back in Stuart Pearce's squad for the trip to Spain. [LNB]Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Bolton midfielder Mark Davies are the uncapped players in Pearce's squad, while experienced members, such as David Wheater, Joe Hart, Andrew Taylor and Mark Noble were not named in the 22-man group. [LNB]Micah Richards and Aaron Lennon, who both have experience with the seniors, were included as Pearce prepares for this summer's European Championships in Sweden. [LNB]
