Record signing James Milner today admitted his relief at finally breaking his Villa goal drought – and warned Albion: ‘You’re next.’
The £12m summer arrival from Newcastle marked his 23rd birthday with both goals in Villa’s 2-1 FA Cup third-round victory at Gillingham – his first since joining the club permanently.
Milner conceded his scoring duck had been playing on his mind, but revealed one strike has often proved the catalyst for a goal rush in his career.
And that can only spell bad news for the Baggies ahead of Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated derby.
“It was about time I got on the scoresheet,” said Milner.
“I have done everything but score so it was nice to get a couple.
“Hopefully I can get a few more now before the end of the season.
“But I have said it before, it is nice to get on the scoresheet, but, as long as I am contributing and creating goals – which I have been – and as long as the team is winning and gets into the top four, it does not matter if I don’t score again.”
“The lack of goals was playing on my mind a little bit. I have tried everything to score.
“The West Ham goal was taken off me, I have done everything but score.
“I seem to go on little runs and spurts with goals. I might not score for a few months, then I might get a few in consecutive games.”
Villa were handed an away tie at either Doncaster or Cheltenham, whose game was postponed on Saturday, in yesterday’s draw for round four.
And O’Neill admitted he was simply relieved to avoid a clash with Manchester United.
“I’d like to have been at home and it will be another difficult afternoon for us,” said the Villa boss.
“But I’m delighted we’ve missed Manchester United for a while because they usually turn up and beat us. They’ve done that three or four times in the last few years.”
Meanwhile, Villa have been linked with January moves for West Ham defender Matthew Upson and Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.
Reports also suggest Gareth Barry is in secret contract talks with Villa over a new deal, while Galatasaray are claimed to be lining up a summer move for John Carew.
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