O'Neill - Brilliant win

O'Neill: Milner praise

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill heaped praise on match-winner James Milner after his side's hard-fought victory over Wigan on Tuesday night.

In a week where David Beckham's Achilles injury has dominated the headlines, Milner showed his international pedigree with a vital strike in Villa's 2-1 victory at the DW Stadium.

The win cuts the gap between Villa and fourth-placed Tottenham to just three points, and O'Neill was full of superlatives for star man Milner after the win.

He said: "It was important for us to close to the gap, we did that tonight and it was a brilliant win.

"He (Milner) was extraordinary tonight, an extraordinary performance by a really good player.

"Since he's stepped into central midfield his game has gone up 10-fold and his game continues to go from strength-to-strength.

"I think he is adding more to his game. I understand when you are playing wide you sometimes depend on other people getting you into the game but when you have that determination, energy and ability you may as well use it in the centre of midfield.

"I think our midfield interchange has helped him also."

Milner has now scored 10 goals from midfield for Villa this season, and O'Neill added: "Midfielders scoring double figures is something we've cried out for and he has been sensational.

"If things still go alright and he stays clear of injury there is no reason why he won't be participating for the national side."