Milner magic proves vital for Villa

JAMES MILNER fired Aston Villa firmly into Champions League contention by settling a thriller at Wigan last night. The converted midfielder fired home in the 63rd minute after Wigan’s Gary Caldwell had cancelled out an own goal from team-mate James McCarthy at the DW Stadium.

Victory lifted Martin O’Neill’s men within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham, with a game in hand, in the Premier League.

Remarkably, it was O’Neill’s first victory in the league in the month of March since taking charge at Villa.