Source: Team_Talk
Villa boss lauds 'sensational' Milner
Villa held a 1-0 lead from the first leg against Blackburn but were rocked by a two-goal blast from Rovers striker Nikola Kalinic and looked nervy and completely out of sorts.[LNB]But Milner helped to inspire a revival with another superb showing in the centre of the park as Blackburn wilted after the sending-off of Christopher Samba for bringing down Gabriel Agbonlahor in the box.[LNB]Milner scored that penalty and Stephen Warnock, a Steven Nzonzi own goal, Emile Heskey, Agbonlahor and Ashley Young completed the scoring for the home side.[LNB]O'Neill said: "Milner was sensational. He is a character-and-a-half and his game has reached a new level. There is no question about that.[LNB]"He is seeing the passes, moving into positions even though he hasn't played central midfield even 15 times yet.[LNB]"I think that is his position. He has moved his game on again. He gets into shooting positions as well.[LNB]"He said himself at the start of the season that he could score more goals but sometimes you have to be in a certain position to do that.[LNB]"If you are wide and crossing things in, it is hard obviously. His overall game from centre midfield has been fantastic."[LNB]Skipper Stiliyan Petrov also highlighted the fighting spirit of this Villa team by defying an Achilles problem to lead them to a first final in 10 years.[LNB]O'Neill said: "Petrov came over and said he was having a problem with his Achilles. It was a bit more than a problem because he had to get injected at half-time.[LNB]"I was delighted with his performance considering I didn't think he would see a minute after half-time at all.[LNB]"His overall performance and leadership helped us enormously in the game and I am as delighted for him as I am for anyone."[LNB]The Villa fans were less then enamoured with their side's uncertain start to the game and O'Neill believes they must be more tolerant.[LNB]He said: "The crowd have to learn to stick with the side and they cannot get frustrated.[LNB]"We have gone 2-0 down and normally speaking that might be out of sight.[LNB]"But these players are capable of fighting back - and it is better if the crowd stay with them.[LNB]"I understand their anxiety and frustration at times but you have got to stick with these players because they can play."[LNB][LNB]
