Aston Villa winger James Milner has run foul of his sponsors Nike.

The Daily Mail says Milner has been stopped from wearing innovative new protective equipment by his personal and club sponsors Nike because they conflict with their own, less advanced, leg guards.

Milner wanted to try out the Armadillo calf and Achilles protector, which promotes itself as a lightweight, flexible multi-plated product which curves around the back of the leg.

But Nike, having first claimed the company would never obstruct one of their clients from using protective kit that reduces the risk of injury, later confirmed that Milner was not being allowed to play for his club wearing an Armadillo product.

A Nike spokesman said: "We regard the Armadillo guards as being in competition with our range of shin pads that offer protection for the back of the leg as well. Our contracts state players only wear Nike-branded kit in matches and training."

Armadillo managing director Mark Sims said: "It's very frustrating that a giant company like Nike can stop a small concern from growing.

"We have had a great response at junior level, but need the exposure the Premiership would bring."