Tottenham's Jonathan Woodgate's a real star, says Aston Villa's Milner

Mar 14 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

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JAMES Milner has revealed his admiration for former team-mate Jonathan Woodgate whom he used to go and watch with his mum and dad.

Woodgate, 29, has become a key figure in what was initially a leaky Spurs defence this season, whether partnering Ledley King or Michael Dawson.

The two players were first teamers together, albeit for three months, at Leeds United until Woodgate’s £9million transfer to Newcastle United in January 2003.

They did not start in the best of circumstances when Bolton scored three late goals to win 4-2 at Elland Road in November 2002 and last shared a dressing room in January 2003 when Leeds were beaten 2-1 at Manchester City.

Then they were reunited at St James’ Park, albeit for a matter of weeks in pre-season in July 2004 before Woodgate completed a £13million move to Real Madrid.

At that time Milner was making a name for himself on Newcastle’s tour of the Far East with impressive performances against Kitchee in Bangkok and the Thailand national team.

Milner has nevertheless got the upmost regard for a player who he believes would have reached the very top barring a wretched run of injury.

“Jon is awesome,” he said ahead of Villa’s must-win game against Tottenham tomorrow. “I even used to watch him when I was a young lad watching the Leeds youth team with my mum and dad.