Milner targets top four

Villa new boy in confident mood

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 3rd September 2008

Milner targets top four

Milner: Targeting top four

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James Milner is confident that Aston Villa can continue to improve and break into the top four in the Premier League.

Milner spent the 2005/06 campaign on loan at Aston Villa before returning to Newcastle after a permanent deal fell through.

He handed in a transfer request earlier this summer and left the Magpies before Monday's deadline, agreeing a four-year deal with Villa.

The 22-year-old believes Villa have progressed over the last two seasons and could now challenge for a UEFA Champions League place.

"Each year since I was last here Villa have got better and it is exciting times at the club," he said.

"We want to keep improving - and improving means forcing our way into the top four."

Barry praise

Milner is delighted that Gareth Barry has stayed at Villa despite strong interest from Liverpool over the summer.

Milner has paid tribute to the midfielder and feels his improvement shows the potential of the club.

"A lot has changed - Villa were quite a bit different when I was last here," he explained.

"The club is on the up and Gareth has definitely taken his game to another level.

"You can see by his performances for England, and I think he has done very well for England when he has played.

"The first time I was here he was maybe in and out of the squad.

"That shows how far he has come and it is great for me and the other Villa players."

Gardner battle

The arrival of Milner will increase competition for places at Villa but Craig Gardner is ready to fight for his spot.

"I'm up for the challenge. James Milner is a top-class player. He has showed that for the under-21s, for Newcastle and when he was here last on loan," said Gardner.

"Bringing James to the squad is a massive lift. He will show some quality this season.

"It is a big season for me. Last season we had a small squad and everyone was getting on week in and week out but this season I'm glad of the competition.

"At the end of the day, if there are games when you don't get on, you've just got to pick yourself up and hopefully get on in the next game and prove it in training.

"The gaffer has built an unbelievable squad and we want to push on this season and finish better than the sixth of last season. But I'm ready for the challenge.

"That's the attitude you've got to have - and the one I have got."