O'Neill: Milner is as good as Gerrard and Lampard
Published 23:00 19/03/10 By James Nursey
Martin O'Neill says James Milner is playing as well as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
The Villa midfielder took his goal tally for the season to 10 with his winner at Wigan on Tuesday.
And Milner, who has seven England caps, has been a revelation in the centre since fit-again winger Stewart Downing broke into Villa’s side in December.
O’Neill says since switching Milner inside from the right flank he has been as good as any midfielder in the Premier League – including England rivals Gerrard and Lampard.
The Villa boss said ahead of today’s derby withWolves: “I thought his performance on Tuesday night defied belief.
“James’ performances have been electrifying this season – he has been really terrific.
“He has double figures this season which is something we haven’t had at this football club in my time here. But I felt he could come in and easily play midfield.
“I said to him in the summer that was where I could see him playing.
“I felt James had more to offer and not just be held out there.
“I am pleased we have done it and in a World Cup year it has thrust him right into the forefront of things.
“I have phenomenal regard for two world-class players in Lampard and Gerrard, but James is playing as strongly as anybody.”
O’Neill says Milner, 24, has always had the potential to play in the centre ever since paying Newcastle a club-record £12million for him in August 2008. Milner earns £45,000 a week at Villa Park after joining on a four-year deal, but can now expect to become the club’s top earner – eclipsing Ashley Young on £65,000.
O’Neill confirmed Mirrorsport’s revelation on January 12 that talks over a new contract are not scheduled until after the World Cup.
O’Neill added: “I said to James a couple of months ago we would sit down in the summer regardless of whether he plays for England or not.
“The player has two years left and is playing so well. By the time the summer arrives he will be halfway through his contract which isn’t a bad time.
“Everything he does in an England shirt may have a determining factor, but we will be sitting down because of what he has done for us.”
