Aston Villa: Kevin MacDonald faces crucial decision over whether to play £26 million James Milner against West Ham

Aug 14 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

KEVIN MacDonald will have his, James Milner’s and Villa’s fate in his hands when he decides whether to risk the £26 million star against West Ham today.

The caretaker boss kicks off his claret and blue reign with a crucial D-Day dilemma over Milner’s role in this afternoon’s Premier League opener at Villa Park.

Milner is in the squad after overcoming a back problem and failing to complete his lucrative move to Manchester City before yesterday’s noon registration deadline.

And MacDonald confirmed the England midfielder is mentally and physically fit enough to start against the Hammers despite the latest hitch in the summer-long saga.

Villa must wait for makeweight Stephen Ireland to agree a £2 million pay off from City before he and £18 million come to Villa Park with Milner heading to Eastlands.

But the temporary manager will weigh up the benefit of picking one of his best players against the risk of him sustaining an injury that could jeopardise the deal. MacDonald must also consider a potential fans backlash against Milner on an afternoon when Villa want to launch a new era with a positive vibe at Villa Park.

The Scottish coach may decide Milner is crucial to his hopes of starting his temporary rein with a win to boost his permanent prospects and lift the mood of the club.

“James Milner is a tough man, one of the toughest I’ve come across in the last few years,” said MacDonald.

“I hope that if he does play the Aston Villa supporters get behind him and appreciate what he has done at this club over the past two or three years.

“He is still playing for Aston Villa, because until he signs on that dotted line he is still an Aston Villa player.