Milner targets top-four push
03 Sep 2008 - 10:25:35
James Milner believes there is enough quality in the Aston Villa to sustain a challenge for a top-four finish this season.
The 22-year-old, who spent the 2005-06 campaign on loan at Villa Park, completed his permanent switch from Newcastle United last week and has been pleasantly surprised by the strength in depth boss Martin O'Neill now has at his disposal.
The former Leeds United star said: "Each year since I was last here Villa have got better and it's exciting times at the club.
"We want to keep improving - and improving means forcing our way into the top four.
"The club is on the up and Gareth Barry has definitely taken his game to another level. You can see by his performances for England, and I think he's done very well for England when he's played.
"The first time I was here he was maybe in and out of the squad. That shows how far he's come and it's great for me and the other Villa players."