Milner: Not frustrated

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James Milner insists he is happy to bide his time and wait for a chance to make his mark in the Aston Villa first team.

The £12million summer signing from Newcastle has been restricted to substitute appearances in the Premier League, with his only starts coming in the Uefa Cup meetings with Litex Lovech.

Martin O'Neill has selected the same side for the opening seven games of the league campaign, but may consider making changes after the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last time out.

And while Milner is eager to make his mark at Villa Park, he is just happy to be part of a squad which has enjoyed a solid start to the season.

Massive club

He said: "Don't get me wrong, every footballer wants to play but the lads have been brilliant all season. There's competition for places and you have to play well to stay in the side.

"That's the way it should be, it's healthy. I haven't been frustrated at not getting games.

"I'd be delighted if we won every game with me sat on the bench. What's important to me is being part of a massive club doing well on a number of fronts."

Having seen his side beaten for only the second time this season in league action by the Blues, O'Neill may now turn to Milner and fellow summer signing Carlos Cuellar against Portsmouth after the international break.

The Villa boss said: "I've made my views clear on the two lads (Milner and Cuellar). I think they are excellent. They are great acquisitions and it was difficult to change a winning side before.

"They appreciated that but James and Carlos are quality players."

Sidwell

Meanwhile Villa are hoping to arrange a game to help midfielder Steve Sidwell on his road to recovery from his knee setback.

The £5.5million summer signing from Chelsea made a successful comeback for the reserves this week.

O'Neill said: "He came through the reserve game okay this week. He needs games now and hopefully he can get a couple now in relatively quick succession.

"We are trying to get another game arranged for next week and we also have the reserve game against Chelsea as well so we have got some matches for him."