Milner hopes to hit goal trail

Winger eyes scoring streak

Last updated: 5th January 2009

Milner hopes to hit goal trail

Milner: On target against Gillingham

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Aston Villa winger James Milner hopes to embark on a goalscoring run following his double against Gillingham.

Milner netted for the first time since joining Villa in August when he broke the deadlock in Sunday's FA Cup clash at Priestfield.

The 23-year-old then secured a 2-1 victory for Martin O'Neill's men with a late penalty, and he is confident of adding to his tally in the second half of the season.

"It was about time I got on the scoresheet," said Milner. "I have done everything but score so it was nice to get a couple - the main thing was getting through because we knew it was going to be a tough game.

"Hopefully I can get a few more now before the end of the season. But as long as I am contributing and creating goals - which I have been - and as long as the team is winning, it does not matter if I don't score again as long as the team does well and gets into the top four.

"I seem to go on little runs and spurts with goals. I might not score for a few months, then I might get a few in consecutive games. Hopefully I can improve on that and get a more steady supply."

Atmosphere

Gillingham rallied well in front of a packed house after Villa had taken an early lead and Milner admits it was an enjoyable atmosphere to play in.

"It was important that we got the early goal but we never thought it would get any easier," he added.

"It helped to quieten the crowd because they were always going to have an influence - it is a great stadium to play at.

"It's an older ground where the crowd bounce off you. You hear all the comments. It is a great place to play, as I know from playing there in the cup with Leeds.

"Gillingham got into it with the equaliser and it showed good spirit from the lads to come up and get the winner."