Aston Villa FC

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O'Neill tips Milner for England

16 Mar 2010 - 09:01:02

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes that James Milner could be the ideal candidate to feature on the right side of England's midfield at the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer.

The 24-year-old has often played in a more central role for Villa this season, but O'Neill is confident that Milner could fill the gap left by an injury to veteran David Beckham.

O'Neill commented: "James can play out there and probably that has been lost a bit since he moved into the middle.

"But he is an all-purpose player and, at this stage, James would have as good a chance as anyone of being on the plane outside of those absolutely nailed on to go to the World Cup.

"If he had to start on the right, he wouldn't let England down. Not at all, no problem."

Meanwhile, O'Neill has urged both Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to keep pushing to earn a place on the plane to South Africa, adding: "I would think Stewart and Ashley shouldn't give up.

"They should continue to perform for Villa which is the only way they can get noticed and hope that is enough."