Milner set for Villa comeback
James Milner is poised to return to action for Aston Villa in Sunday’s home derby against Birmingham with David O’Leary admitting: “We’re a better team when he is playing.”
Villa have sorely missed the creativity of Milner, who is on loan from Newcastle, during a six-game absence because of a virus, during which time they have only scored twice.
But the England Under-21 player is back in training and looking to help Villa secure the win which would finally banish any relegation fears – and push Birmingham deeper into the mire.
O’Leary said: “It was unfortunate that we lost James at a time when we really needed him and we are a better team when he is playing for us.
“It’s great to have him back in the squad. He has been one of our most consistent players this season and it is well documented I would like to sign him permanently if at all possible.
“There is no doubt that he is going to get better and better as a player.”
O’Leary played down reports that Milner was suffering from glandular fever and insisted: “He is just a young lad who has played a lot of games and got hit by a virus.
“That sapped his strength pretty bad and he was sent away from the training ground for a spell to rest. Some people recover quicker than others from such a setback.
“Lee Hendrie also had a virus with similar looking symptoms but recovered quicker. He was in bed and really rough one day and the next felt good enough to ask to play in the reserves.”
Villa skipper Olof Mellberg (hamstring) and midfielder Gareth Barry (knee) are battling to be fit in time to face Steve Bruce’s side after missing the goalless draw with West Brom last weekend.
