Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill heaped praise on midfielder James Milner after another superlative display in the 2-1 victory at Wigan Athletic.

Milner fired in the winning goal just past the hour mark at the DW Stadium, as Villa maintained their push for a top-four finish and a Champions League spot next season.

Afterwards, O'Neill beamed:"It was an extraordinary performance by a really good player.

"Since he has stepped into central midfield his game has improved tenfold and he continues to go from strength to strength.

"When you play wide you depend on other people giving you the ball to get into the game, but when you have got that determination and energy, you might as well use it in the centre of the field.

"As you can see with Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, there is a fluidity about it and I think that bit of interchanging has helped James.

"It is something we have been crying out for, a midfielder scoring double figures and he has been sensational."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email