Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: Mike Field 
Date:Monday November 16 2009
Time: 3:53PM
UK time is: 20:06:17
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Milly 'Central' To Monny's Plans
Martin O'Neill has heaped further praise on James Milner and whilst praising his versatility again, he even hints that he could be running the midfield from the middle before long.
We all know Monny has been delighted with Milner's efforts from the right hand side, and his stint's as emergency fullback, and Capello seems very happy with him from the left.
Speaking on the official site he said:
'He has got a good football knowledge and a good football brain. In terms of other positions, I feel he can move infield as well.
'I think - because he is not concerned about receiving the ball under pressure - at some stage between now and the end of the season he will play in there for us.
'I just think he's great. He's been fantastic since he's been here.'
Fans have been calling out for Milner to be given a run in the centre as we all seem torn on NRC, Sidders and Petrov and the argument certainly gained weight after the development of Albrighton.
It'll be good to see if he can be our midfield dynamo, he doesn't shirk challenges and we know he can run and run and the option is just too tasty not to try it.
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Your Comments
I'd love to see James in the middle, with Downing on the left and Ashley on the right. Ably assisted by Reo/Delph and Stan.
charizma
I'd love to see James in the middle, with Downing on the left and Ashley on the right. Ably assisted by Reo/Delph and Stan.
charizma
Tats absolutly right, i think that we would then really have one of the best Midfield in the English game and then really challenge for that top 4 spot
__villa__
Tats absolutly right, i think that we would then really have one of the best Midfield in the English game and then really challenge for that top 4 spot
__villa__
will be fascinating to see once Downing is fit, who plays where. Milner in the centre could be very interesting indeed!
the fear
will be fascinating to see once Downing is fit, who plays where. Milner in the centre could be very interesting indeed!
the fear
and being hopeful in the addition of a creative striker in jan.. we'll have competition all over the park!
benji_starsky_avfc
and being hopeful in the addition of a creative striker in jan.. we'll have competition all over the park!
benji_starsky_avfc
Do we really need Sidwell....
Villa 4 Ever
Do we really need Sidwell....
Villa 4 Ever
you think if milner goes into center will he get picked for england 2012? no gerrard & lampard will be picked unfourtently, then Rw, lw - young, lennon, phillips, wallcot, cole, young, milner, downing, beckham all intention
Tr1dent
you think if milner goes into center will he get picked for england 2012? no gerrard & lampard will be picked unfourtently, then Rw, lw - young, lennon, phillips, wallcot, cole, young, milner, downing, beckham all intention
Tr1dent
"Do we really need Sidwell...." Personally, I think we should be celebrating that we have the competition we do in our squad, not knock players for not necessarily being the best in their position. In today's Premiership, players can take a loooong time to hit their peak - you only have to look at Stan's Villa career to know that. But which of us would have a dig at him now?
BobTheBuilder
"Do we really need Sidwell...." Personally, I think we should be celebrating that we have the competition we do in our squad, not knock players for not necessarily being the best in their position. In today's Premiership, players can take a loooong time to hit their peak - you only have to look at Stan's Villa career to know that. But which of us would have a dig at him now?
BobTheBuilder
James in the middle could just be that attacking central midfield player we have been looking for, for years.
jonah
James in the middle could just be that attacking central midfield player we have been looking for, for years.
jonah
How is Young going to feel about playing on the right once downing is fit though? The right wing is definately not his prefered choice.
Stig
How is Young going to feel about playing on the right once downing is fit though? The right wing is definately not his prefered choice.
Stig
M'ON is only stating what has already happened this season. Milner has tucked in to make a midfield 3 on several occasions. You can see that M'ON is trying to make a fluid/adaptable formation, whereby Milner, Gabby and Ashley have the flexibility to adapt to the requirements of the game. It is obvious that a rigid 442 has failed miserably, but having a squad of players who have the ability to work to the requirements of the game is the way forward. As for questioning whether we need a player (Sidwell) who has only twice been on a losing Villa side is laughable. We have cried out for a squad for years. Now we have one we question the players and the need for a squad. I am not sure whether to laugh or cry at some of the comments on here.
voiceoftheholte
M'ON is only stating what has already happened this season. Milner has tucked in to make a midfield 3 on several occasions. You can see that M'ON is trying to make a fluid/adaptable formation, whereby Milner, Gabby and Ashley have the flexibility to adapt to the requirements of the game. It is obvious that a rigid 442 has failed miserably, but having a squad of players who have the ability to work to the requirements of the game is the way forward. As for questioning whether we need a player (Sidwell) who has only twice been on a losing Villa side is laughable. We have cried out for a squad for years. Now we have one we question the players and the need for a squad. I am not sure whether to laugh or cry at some of the comments on here.
voiceoftheholte
Was at the Bolton game, and could not fault Sidwell's performance or work rate. He ran midfield on his own. One ball over the top to Milner in the first half with the outside of his right foot was sublime, and this guy is a 'Squad Player'? I agree with Voice of the Holte, we have depth now that we didn't have even last season, yet speculation that NRC is on the way out and Sidders can't cut it. NRC got an amazing reception at the Bolton game. What's the freaking problem!!!!! Downing is dying to get into the team, (if he can) and if he does and improves it even more we will all be smiling come May when we have won both cups and have a top 4 place. Personally, I would go with Friedel, L.Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Downing, Petrov, Milner, A.Young, Agbonlahor, Carew in a flexible 442 that leaves Ash to roam wherever he wants to go behind the front 2. Sidwell and NRC as subs to tighten things up if needed. CL here we come!!!!
Madirish
Was at the Bolton game, and could not fault Sidwell's performance or work rate. He ran midfield on his own. One ball over the top to Milner in the first half with the outside of his right foot was sublime, and this guy is a 'Squad Player'? I agree with Voice of the Holte, we have depth now that we didn't have even last season, yet speculation that NRC is on the way out and Sidders can't cut it. NRC got an amazing reception at the Bolton game. What's the freaking problem!!!!! Downing is dying to get into the team, (if he can) and if he does and improves it even more we will all be smiling come May when we have won both cups and have a top 4 place. Personally, I would go with Friedel, L.Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Downing, Petrov, Milner, A.Young, Agbonlahor, Carew in a flexible 442 that leaves Ash to roam wherever he wants to go behind the front 2. Sidwell and NRC as subs to tighten things up if needed. CL here we come!!!!
Madirish
voiceoftheholte - spot on!!! We finally have what most were moaning we lacked, and they want to dismantle it. The only reason to lose any player now is if they are replaced with someone better. Christmas is just around the corner, and you will be glad we have a few options come January.
HeathfieldRoad1874
voiceoftheholte - spot on!!! We finally have what most were moaning we lacked, and they want to dismantle it. The only reason to lose any player now is if they are replaced with someone better. Christmas is just around the corner, and you will be glad we have a few options come January.
HeathfieldRoad1874
we need options, we have options, only time to sell is when we buy better to improve. God this management lark is easy!
The Fear
we need options, we have options, only time to sell is when we buy better to improve. God this management lark is easy!
The Fear
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