Big Game For James Milner

Without wishing to rip off the article that appeared in The Times on Tuesday. I would just like to talk a little about James Milner and what a big game he has this Sunday.

Many regular users of this site will know I have been negative about the season as a whole. I have complained about tactics, substitutions and player performances as much, if not more than most. However the one player I have never had the slightest doubt about this season, is James Milner. When he arrived in the summer, some fans criticised his lack of pace, his price tag etc, but what we have got for the reported £12million fee is a very special player indeed.

I think most would agree that Milner was one of the few highlights in what was to be our last season under both David O`Leary and Doug Ellis. Yet, when he returned to Newcastle he was never really seen as a first team player. They did not seem to be aware of the talented youngster that they possessed.

On his return to Villa Park, a place he obviously enjoyed playing from his previous spell at the club, he soon became an integral part of Martin O`Neill`s team. Now as far as wingers go, he may not have the pace of someone like Ashley Young, however what he lacks in pace he more than makes up for in work rate. Milner can often be seen offering support to the defence one minute then getting involved in an attack the next.

While he was undervalued at Newcastle, a team that finds it self in the relegation zone with a game to go, he now is a key part of O`Neill`s plans for the future of a club at the right end of the table. How fitting it then is that Milner would be part of the team that could very well send the Magpies down!

Imagine if Milner added to his 3 league goals this season and be the man responsible for relegating the team that never really appreciated him.