Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has vowed it’s vital the club hold onto derby-day hero James Milner – even if Manchester United come calling.

England star Milner was the hero again yesterday as his late penalty handed Martin O’Neill’s men local bragging rights – as well as keeping their Champions League dreams alive – with a 1-0 win over Birmingham at Villa Park.

The £25million-rated midfielder, who was last night named PFA Young Player of the Year, has already been linked with summer moves to United and Manchester City but, while Petrov believes Milner could play in “any team”, the skipper hopes it will remain Villa’s.

The Bulgarian said: “There’s a lot of players at this club performing at a high level, so there’s going to be speculation.

“If the club wants to go forward we need to keep our best players like any big team –Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

“It is very important we keep James. We have got a lot of talent at this club which has cost a lot of money. We need to make sure they are happy and stay here. He’s been enjoying his football and that’s the main thing for a player.

“If we try to match his ambition and the club show they are doing things the right way, I don’t think James will go somewhere else.

“People say that if Manchester United coming knocking at your door it’s a different question, then the manager and the player need to make a decision.

“He can play in any team and at that level but we hope he will stay with us.”

As well as guaranteeing European football for next season, Milner’s strike moved Villa above Manchester City into fifth, level on place with fourth-placed Tottenham.

Both Spurs and next weekend’s opponents City have played a game less, but Petrov is delighted with the way Villa have fought back from their league and FA Cup anguish at the hands of Chelsea.

“We have got players here who want to win things and move this club forward. We have big characters at the club.

“As a footballer sometimes things go your way and sometimes they won’t. As long as you keep battling the luck will change.

“I think John Terry’s comments have made us stronger and made us work even harder. That’s what will keep us going to the end.

“We now need one last push.”