James Milner hailed as a shining example by former Aston Villa hero Dean Saunders

Jun 25 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

FORMER Villa favourite and James Milner’s old coach, Dean Saunders, has hailed the England World Cup star as a shining example to other players.

Milner is one of the Three Lions’ men of the moment after his assist for Wednesday’s winner against Slovenia helped them into the knockout stages.

And Saunders, who coached Milner at Newcastle when he was part of Graeme Souness’ backroom staff, has been delighted by the midfielder’s impact.

The former Holte End hero always expected Milner’s dedication to take him far and reckons the youngster is a role model to his peers.

“I’ve got nothing but admiration for James and I’m really pleased how his career has progressed,” said Saunders.

“I use him as an example to our players now. I’ve not worked with a player who works as hard as James.

“As soon as training finished, he would tap me on the shoulder every day and he would keep me out there for hours and I used to enjoy working with him – practicing his left foot, his right foot and his free-kicks.

“It just shows what has happened to him. Through sheer effort and determination he has made himself a player.

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