­He’s already done it for his club – now Villa midfielder James Milner is confident he could fill Gareth Barry’s boots for his country.

Villa are braced for a bidding war for James Milner after “firmly rejecting” Manchester City’s opening offer of £20million for the England star.

Villa trio James Milner, Emile Heskey and Stephen Warnock have been included in Fabio Capello’s provisional 30-man squad.

Villa striker John Carew has insisted the team have got stronger without Gareth Barry after claiming James Milner has more than filled the void left by his departure.

Villa favourite Ian Taylor believes the club’s latest meeting with Gareth Barry could prove to their former star that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has warned former team-mate Gareth Barry friendship will be put to one side when the pair locks horns in Saturday’s top-four showdown.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has vowed the club have no intention of selling James Milner and Ashley Young – despite reported interest from Manchester City.

Manchester City are set to be the first club to test Villa’s resolve over James Milner after identifying him as a top summer target.

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle is relishing a Villa Park return on Saturday – after incurring the wrath of the Holte End by scoring on a previous trip there.

Villa manager Martin O’Neill will hold talks with England star James Milner over a new contract – but not until the season is over.