But Mills is adamant that he is not just keeping the shirt warm until Neville is fit to return for the European Championship qualifiers and is determined to prove to Sven-Goran Eriksson that he should be the first-choice.

Mills said: "It is now up to me to keep this spot in the side as long as possible by playing to the best of my ability every time I go out there.

"Unfortunately, Gary Neville picked up that injury and there is no doubt he would have been in the squad, possibly he could even have been in the starting line-up, if fit.

"But that is how it goes sometimes in football. I have to take this chance. He will be fit for the European Championship qualifiers and when he is back I intend to fight him all the way for his shirt.