O'Neill reassures Milner

New boy to have major role in Midlands

Last updated: 25th September 2008

James Milner for Villa

Milner: Key man for O'Neill

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Martin O'Neill has reassured James Milner that he has a major part to play in his plans at Aston Villa, despite using the winger sparingly since his £12million move from Newcastle.

Milner completed his switch to the Midlands prior to the closure of the transfer window but has yet to win a regular place in O'Neill's starting XI.

The cup-tied winger missed Wednesday night's shock Carling Cup defeat to QPR and is likely to have to content himself with a place on the bench for Saturday's meeting with Sunderland.

O'Neill, though, is insistent that a player he had long-since coveted before securing his services, will establish himself as a regular before too long.

Regular role

"We went into the West Brom game with the same side as against Tottenham the previous Monday and the same side as against Liverpool - but James will play," said O'Neill. "Don't worry about that.

"We've got another 1,000 games to play. James didn't sign for a month and a half! He will play and so will Carlos Cuellar and so will some of the other people we have signed.

"James couldn't play against QPR because he was cup-tied. I get asked 'where I am I going to fit James in.'

"It is a nice problem to have. But he will play. He didn't come here to sit on the bench - but it is a nice problem to have."