Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is challenging James Milner to carry his form from this season into the next and earn a place in England's World Cup squad. "James has done splendidly in a role which is really physically demanding," the Villa boss said.

"You are expected to go up and down the pitch, support and create and score the occasional goal and you are expected to get back and be the first line of defence.

"But he has a terrific heart and I think he will be all the better for this season.

"Can he challenge for the World Cup squad? I don't see why not and that should be his driving ambition, to play well for us to get himself into that squad.

"But if the comments I hear and read are correct I think the England manager likes James - and it is up to him to go and show it."

O'Neill is quick to point out that he will not be putting any unnecessary pressure on his player.

"What I don't want James and other players to do is to put themselves under unnecessary pressure next season by being at a game where everyone knows that the England manager is there and think it might be make or break," he added.

"I would rather they be judged over a three, four, five-month period rather than one particular game where people think 'this is it' if Capello is making the choice between two or three wide right-hand side players.

"But I think the England manager is too experienced to do that."