James Milner admits he is enjoying the greatest spell of his footballing career so far, reports the Birmingham Mail. The former Newcastle United winger is adamant all of Martin O'Neill's side are giving the same maximum effort and commitment.
And he believes that is why they are now sitting pretty in and around the top four sides in the Premier League.
He has singled out the efforts of team-mates Emile Heskey and Carlos Cuellar.
Of Heskey, the Villa striker who has forced his way back into manager O' Neill's reckoning with three goals in five games, Milner said: "Obviously it is tough when you have been out of the team and then you are in and out. It is hard to hit any form.
"But Emile has seized his chance and, while there is great competition for places and we have the likes of John Carew on the bench desperate to get on, you have to say Emile has done very, very well.
"Emile is a top striker and he works hard for the team."
Milner added: "He is getting chances as well and he is taking them. He is massive for the team anyway but hopefully he can keep getting on the scoresheet as well now."
Of Cuellar, the Spanish defender who has played at both centre-half and right-back, Milner said: "The whole back four have been brilliant and we have Curtis Davies coming back from injury as well.
"Carlos is another top player who has been thrown in there and there is some real tough for competition now for places.
"But I think it is a great to have that competition.
"Carlos has come in and joined Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock and James Collins and the competition has definitely brought him on as a player.
"Dunney is experienced and quality and playing alongside him can't be too bad.
"The competition is there and the quality is there as well.
"We now have a side well balanced with youth and experience. It is a great mix we have got."