Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes James Milner's versatility can book him a place in England's World Cup squad. Milner has played as a second striker, right and left midfield and right-back for Villa at various times since his £12million move from Newcastle 14 months ago.

O'Neill said: "The England manager has proved himself to be a winning manager for many years and decided to play James at left-back for the last 15 minutes against Belarus.

"I am not so sure that is something he would see as a regular occurrence.

"But James has played right-back for us so I think, between us and England, he just has the goalkeeping position to go to complete the entire set.

"Will that versatility get Milner into World Cup squad? I don't think it would do any player any harm."

O'Neill added: "James' preferred position is on the right hand side, either there or coming in-field, which is something I thought at the start of the season I would look at.

"It hasn't happened too often but I think, if you are one of those players who can cover a number of positions and do it very well, it is something the England manager would not overlook when it comes to picking the squad for South Africa."