James Milner is convinced Aston Villa are capable of cracking the top four this season.

The England U21 winger told Villa's website: "The top four is a tough nut to crack. They have been the top four for a long time. They are quality teams with quality players.

"It will take a lot of hard work and quality performances to break into that. There are a few teams trying to do that.

"The top four have set the standards. We want to close the gap and break into that top bracket. That's the ultimate aim.

"Champions League football is obviously part of the aim. That's what every footballer wants to do - to play at the highest level. We all want that at Villa.

"The highest platform at club level is the Champions League.

"Saying all that, we don't want to get carried away because of one good result.

"We need to take each game as it comes and keep picking up the points. There are no easy games and we need to get into a good frame of mind for Saturday's tough clash with Manchester United."