Milner receives praise from Villa boss O‘Neill

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has lauded midfielder James Milner for his performance in Tuesday night’s 2-1 away victory over Wigan.

The England international scored the eventual winner as Villa moved right into contention for a top-four finish and O’Neill was delighted by Milner’s showing which saw him net his 10th goal of the season.

"It was an extraordinary performance by a really good player,” he said.

"Since he has stepped into central midfield his game has improved tenfold and he continues to go from strength to strength.

"When you play wide you depend on other people giving you the ball to get into the game but when you have got that determination and energy, you might as well use it in the centre of the field.

"It is something we have been crying out for, a midfielder scoring double figures, and he has been sensational."