Wanted man: James Milner
Martin O’Neill fears his top players James Milner and
Ashley Young will be targets for the top four clubs this
summer.
Milner and Young have been the two stand-out players during an
Aston
Villa campaign that has again promised much, but so far failed
to deliver a tangible reward.
With England manager Fabio Capello certain to name Milner as
part of his World Cup squad and contract negotiations under way,
O’Neill is fully aware that the spotlight may be about to focus
even more closely on his two prize assets.
The Villa manager, who has confirmed 24-year-old Milner is due a
pay rise, has little doubt that the midfielder is now close to the
finished product.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised that James Milner and Ashley Young have
attracted attention from the very best clubs here and abroad,’ he
said.
‘I rate them that highly and they have shown maturity on the
field and off it.
‘Milner’s performance against Everton was extraordinary. I’m
delighted for him.
‘He’s down as one of the four young players of the year.
Star turn: Ashley Young
‘Assuming that Wayne Rooney doesn’t win both — and he
deserves the main accolade — then I think that James would be
deserving of the young player. He has been that
brilliant.
‘Milner has been a revelation. He has stepped infield 20 yards
and just been fantastic.
'He has the energy, the determination and, more importantly, he
has the ability.
‘He’s in the centre of that midfield and looks like he’s played
there since he was 16.’
Milner joined Villa in the summer of 2008 and is the most-capped
England Under 21 player, with 46.
O’Neill is hoping that the fact he can guarantee Milner and
Young first-team football at Aston Villa — rather than just a place
as part of a squad — might help sway any decision about a move.
‘I think both of them would grace any side,’ added O’Neill.
‘But they might be forced into a more rotational system — and
just at this minute that would be a consideration for them. Most
players want to play every single week.
‘We haven’t had the luxury. I went up to watch Manchester United
at Wigan and it was eye-opening looking at the Manchester United
players sitting in front of me, not even on the subs’ bench.
‘I’d like them (James and Ashley) to stay here and see if we can
break into that bracket.’
