Villa manager Martin O’Neill believes James Milner can rival Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry for a slot in the heart of England’s World Cup midfield.

Milner has been outstanding for Villa since switching from the wings to central midfield, scoring six goals in his nine games in the position.

The club record signing had already forced his way into Three Lions coach Fabio Capello’s thinking for South Africa before the change but O’Neill says he is good enough to be England’s main man in the middle.

“Could Milner play for England in the middle? Of course he could,” he said. “England are very, very strong obviously with Lampard and Gerrard, who are really gifted players, but James could play in there.

“I’m sure when he set out initially that he would be anxious to do well. Once he gets over that anxiety he would be absolutely fine.

“But he wouldn’t say outwardly that he would be concerned about those things and I think he has grown in confidence with the ball since he’s arrived here.

“I think he now feels he can take his place there. He would not be worried about miscontrolling it, he won’t be worried about not leaving a mark on the England scene. I couldn’t see him being phased by that. I can see him relishing it.”

Meanwhile, the Villa chief echoed the sentiments of McLeish yesterday in confirming he expects midfielder Craig Gardner to move to St. Andrews “at the beginning of next week.

He said: “I think it will get done, it should do. I haven’t heard a great deal from Birmingham but I think they aren’t a million miles away from agreeing things.

“I think his head’s a bit turned at this minute, totally understand that too. He wants to get things resolved.

“I saw Alex (McLeish) Thursday night and I think he would want to get it completed probably for the beginning of next week.”

And O’Neill has rubbished speculation he is interested in signing Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

He said: “I was quite surprised to see the story that he is signing for us. Of course, I know the player very well indeed. He was in Scotland when I was in charge of Celtic – but there isn’t any truth in it.”

BACK NIB

Wolves’ derby trip to Villain March has been brought forward 24 hours for TV coverage.

ThePremier League clash had originally been due to be played on Sunday 21 March 21 but will now take place on Saturday 20 March, with kick-off at 12.45pm.

It will be televisedlive on Sky Sports.