Aston Villa's Milner has sights set on lengthy stay in England squad

Feb 10 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

JAMES Milner says he is determined to prove he is worthy of wearing a senior England shirt when he gets his chance in Spain tomorrow night.

The 23-year-old Villa winger has played 40 times for the under-21s but has now been given his chance by Fabio Capello for the friendly in Seville.

Milner is determined to seize his opportunity.

“I’ve played for England at various levels and hopefully I will get on the pitch at some point,” he said.

“It is great to be here. I have got to go out there and prove that I should be here. I want to stay in there.

“I have been playing all this time and the aim was to play for England. Now to finally get the chance to meet up with the squad, and to train with players who I have watched for years, is great.”

Milner is clearly in something resembling the form of his career following his August move from Newcastle.

“You always want to keep improving and hopefully I can keep doing that,” he said.

“If you can’t improve at a club like Aston Villa, with the players and the staff there, then you will struggle.

“I am enjoying my football at the moment and hopefully I will keep improving and keep learning.

“To get this call-up and play with the players here is great.

“It is now about me going out there and proving that