Scottish Mag 3 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Newcastle winger James Milner last night outlined his determination to win a place in Steve McClaren's senior England squad as he admitted his footballing ambitions lie far beyond St James's Park. But the Yorkshireman's immediate focus is on club affairs - with Milner confident United could still complete a difficult campaign as Continental qualifiers. Milner has been among Glenn Roeder's most consistent performers this season and a player whose time as an Under-21 international is nearing an end is determined to ensure that his Three Lions career continues to progress. McClaren was on Tyneside on Easter Monday to watch Newcastle's home game against Arsenal. And although the fixture ended in a frustrating stalemate, Milner hopes he managed to catch the England manager's eye with his efforts. "Every player wants to get into the England team and I'm no different," explained the former Elland Road favourite, who is relishing this summer's Under-21 European Championship finals in Holland - a tournament he hopes will help him secure a place in McClaren's future plans. "I've had a half-decent season and if I keep improving, I'll be knocking on the door. "It's a step up from the Under-21s, who I have played a lot of games for. It will be a great experience for me this summer and that sort of tournament is ideal for trying to move up to the full squad. It gives you vital experience and I'll know what it's like playing in major championships, so in that respect I'm looking forward to it." Although just 21, Milner has played more than 100 times in the Premiership and a player who made his senior debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old hopes his experience will help him take the next step in his promising career. "I played a lot at Leeds and I played almost every game for Aston Villa last year, but I have still got to keep improving," said a player enjoying his best season yet in a black and white shirt. "I have been around a long time and played games in Europe and in the Premiership and I'm gaining experience all the time. I turned 21 this year - that surprises people because I have been around for five years." Milner's international aspirations will be put on the backburner for the time being as he concentrates his efforts on helping Newcastle to complete their campaign with a flourish. It has been a campaign that has disappointed. But having taken four points from their two Easter fixtures, United's players feel the Intertoto Cup is a realistic target. "We just want to finish as high as we can," said Milner. "People wrote us off on Saturday (at Sheffield United), and against Arsenal (on Easter Monday). We have tough places to go to yet like Reading and Portsmouth - and the small matter of Chelsea at home - but we have shown at home we can push anyone. "We have to finish on a positive note and get into Europe if we can. We have just got to take it a game at a time and attempt to put a string of results together. The Intertoto Cup qualifier could be eighth in the league, so who knows?" Milner is amongst those in Roeder's first-team squad who can take some satisfaction from a troubled season. The England hopeful remains a firm favourite with the club's supporters and is confident his game has improved during the campaign. "It's great to hear your name sung from the terraces," he added. "I've been pleased with my form over the season and have played just about every game. "I feel fresh - even though the season has been long, I am in great shape and I feel as though I have come on in leaps and bounds this year." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sima 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 It's because we as a team have been so poor that Butt & Milner have shone through. He isn't in the same league as the likes of Lennon tbh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc-mag 1 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Newcastle winger James Milner last night outlined his determination to win a place in Steve McClaren's senior England squad as he admitted his footballing ambitions lie far beyond St James's Park. But the Yorkshireman's immediate focus is on club affairs - with Milner confident United could still complete a difficult campaign as Continental qualifiers. Milner has been among Glenn Roeder's most consistent performers this season and a player whose time as an Under-21 international is nearing an end is determined to ensure that his Three Lions career continues to progress. McClaren was on Tyneside on Easter Monday to watch Newcastle's home game against Arsenal. And although the fixture ended in a frustrating stalemate, Milner hopes he managed to catch the England manager's eye with his efforts. "Every player wants to get into the England team and I'm no different," explained the former Elland Road favourite, who is relishing this summer's Under-21 European Championship finals in Holland - a tournament he hopes will help him secure a place in McClaren's future plans. "I've had a half-decent season and if I keep improving, I'll be knocking on the door. "It's a step up from the Under-21s, who I have played a lot of games for. It will be a great experience for me this summer and that sort of tournament is ideal for trying to move up to the full squad. It gives you vital experience and I'll know what it's like playing in major championships, so in that respect I'm looking forward to it." Although just 21, Milner has played more than 100 times in the Premiership and a player who made his senior debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old hopes his experience will help him take the next step in his promising career. "I played a lot at Leeds and I played almost every game for Aston Villa last year, but I have still got to keep improving," said a player enjoying his best season yet in a black and white shirt. "I have been around a long time and played games in Europe and in the Premiership and I'm gaining experience all the time. I turned 21 this year - that surprises people because I have been around for five years." Milner's international aspirations will be put on the backburner for the time being as he concentrates his efforts on helping Newcastle to complete their campaign with a flourish. It has been a campaign that has disappointed. But having taken four points from their two Easter fixtures, United's players feel the Intertoto Cup is a realistic target. "We just want to finish as high as we can," said Milner. "People wrote us off on Saturday (at Sheffield United), and against Arsenal (on Easter Monday). We have tough places to go to yet like Reading and Portsmouth - and the small matter of Chelsea at home - but we have shown at home we can push anyone. "We have to finish on a positive note and get into Europe if we can. We have just got to take it a game at a time and attempt to put a string of results together. The Intertoto Cup qualifier could be eighth in the league, so who knows?" Milner is amongst those in Roeder's first-team squad who can take some satisfaction from a troubled season. The England hopeful remains a firm favourite with the club's supporters and is confident his game has improved during the campaign. "It's great to hear your name sung from the terraces," he added. "I've been pleased with my form over the season and have played just about every game. "I feel fresh - even though the season has been long, I am in great shape and I feel as though I have come on in leaps and bounds this year." Like to see a player with a bit of ambition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gram 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 It's because we as a team have been so poor that Butt & Milner have shone through. He isn't in the same league as the likes of Lennon tbh This England teamare fairly weak imo. Lots of people seem to think its a golden generation but they couldnt kick the arses of the 1990 team. Lennon is usually fairly erratic and isnt in the same league as the likes of John Barnes or Waddler. Milner is very very average. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Thought his crossing against Arsenal had much improved(aside from the cross/shot!). His energy and workrate have been a good influence on the team this season. Not sure if he can keep improving though, he rarely takes on his man and his crossing can be a bit erratic. Nice shot on him though, and as well as being able to play in a few positions, he's weighed in with a few important goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewerk 31641 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Thought his crossing against Arsenal had much improved(aside from the cross/shot!). His energy and workrate have been a good influence on the team this season. Not sure if he can keep improving though, he rarely takes on his man and his crossing can be a bit erratic. Nice shot on him though, and as well as being able to play in a few positions, he's weighed in with a few important goals. The same can be said about the rest of the squad under the current management, there's not much good to be said about O'Leary but Milner came back from Villa a much improved player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ketsbaia 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 It's because we as a team have been so poor that Butt & Milner have shone through. He isn't in the same league as the likes of Lennon tbh I don't rate Lennon, no end product. Saying that I don't think Milner should be anywhere near the England team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 It's because we as a team have been so poor that Butt & Milner have shone through. He isn't in the same league as the likes of Lennon tbh I don't rate Lennon, no end product. Saying that I don't think Milner should be anywhere near the England team. Or Parker? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckyluke 2 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Shows the state of the England team if Milner is looking for a call up tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Thought his crossing against Arsenal had much improved(aside from the cross/shot!). His energy and workrate have been a good influence on the team this season. Not sure if he can keep improving though, he rarely takes on his man and his crossing can be a bit erratic. Nice shot on him though, and as well as being able to play in a few positions, he's weighed in with a few important goals. The same can be said about the rest of the squad under the current management, there's not much good to be said about O'Leary but Milner came back from Villa a much improved player. Bit more confident after having played a bit more and done quite well. Wouldn't say he's 'much improved'. I think he shone in a poor side at Villa and he's done the same here this season. Canny player with a great attitude and you do get 'end product' from him. Don't get me wrong - I quite like him - but he's pretty limited imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dynamite 7336 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Can you blame him. With Jenas, Parker, P.Neville, Barton etc getting in there hes got as good a chance as any Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 If he does get a call-up he'll be played wide-left without a doubt btw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewerk 31641 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Thought his crossing against Arsenal had much improved(aside from the cross/shot!). His energy and workrate have been a good influence on the team this season. Not sure if he can keep improving though, he rarely takes on his man and his crossing can be a bit erratic. Nice shot on him though, and as well as being able to play in a few positions, he's weighed in with a few important goals. The same can be said about the rest of the squad under the current management, there's not much good to be said about O'Leary but Milner came back from Villa a much improved player. Bit more confident after having played a bit more and done quite well. Wouldn't say he's 'much improved'. I think he shone in a poor side at Villa and he's done the same here this season. Canny player with a great attitude and you do get 'end product' from him. Don't get me wrong - I quite like him - but he's pretty limited imo. That's why I think it could be said he is 'much improved' his crossing and end product increased greatly at Villa compared to how he was before the move although as you said this can be partly attributed to playing regularly but obviously the coaching he received there must have had an effect on his game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ketsbaia 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 It's because we as a team have been so poor that Butt & Milner have shone through. He isn't in the same league as the likes of Lennon tbh I don't rate Lennon, no end product. Saying that I don't think Milner should be anywhere near the England team. Or Parker? Neither tbh Don't get me started on Ameobi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Thought his crossing against Arsenal had much improved(aside from the cross/shot!). His energy and workrate have been a good influence on the team this season. Not sure if he can keep improving though, he rarely takes on his man and his crossing can be a bit erratic. Nice shot on him though, and as well as being able to play in a few positions, he's weighed in with a few important goals. The same can be said about the rest of the squad under the current management, there's not much good to be said about O'Leary but Milner came back from Villa a much improved player. Bit more confident after having played a bit more and done quite well. Wouldn't say he's 'much improved'. I think he shone in a poor side at Villa and he's done the same here this season. Canny player with a great attitude and you do get 'end product' from him. Don't get me wrong - I quite like him - but he's pretty limited imo. That's why I think it could be said he is 'much improved' his crossing and end product increased greatly at Villa compared to how he was before the move although as you said this can be partly attributed to playing regularly but obviously the coaching he received there must have had an effect on his game. I still don't think he can cross tbh Manages a few assists though despite this and he did at Villa too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewerk 31641 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Well he's no Beckham like but he has improved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Shows the state of the England team if Milner is looking for a call up tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazarus 0 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Shows the state of the England team if Milner is looking for a call up tbh. Wasnt Chops wanting a call up too? It'll be Sherla next Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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