Aston Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald has no doubts Stephen Ireland will prove an outstanding addition.
Ireland has suffered two defeats in his first two games for Villa.
But MacDonald told the Birmingham Mail: "I think his technical ability is wonderful and he will become a top player.
"It seems to be finding the right role for one or two because Ashley Young has played behind the striker one or two times or behind two strikers on Thursday night and I think he's revelling in the situation. I think he's come on even more. So he's got another string to his bow as well as being a wide player.
"So we've got to look at how we're going to find Stephen in the right position to use his strength, which I think is in the final third. Stephen and Ashley could play in any position on the pitch, they would adapt to it because they are good footballers."
MacDonald suggests that Ireland and Ashley Young possess sufficient qualities to help Villa cope with the departure of Milner.
"As I've said previously, James is an outstanding footballer and he actually played very well for Man City the other night," he added.
"I don't think Thursday night was a case of missing James Milner, I thought it was a case of some poor defending, plus maybe not taking enough care in that final pass in the final third.
"Would I say James Milner's a better passer than Stephen Ireland and Ashley Young? No, I'm not sure. I think they've got attributes like that, that can open things up.
"I wouldn't think it (Milner's departure) has been a major factor because I think Stephen Ireland's brought something different, allied to Ashley Young.
"It probably looks that way at this moment in time because we are not winning games so you would probably say yes it's made a difference.
"But I think over a period of time the Ashley Young / Stephen Ireland combination play will end up more beneficial to this football club."
