Milner keeps Villa in hunt

JAMES MILNER delivered an inspirational performance as Aston Villa closed in behind the Champions League chasing pack.

The midfielder further enhanced his claims for an England World Cup place by scoring a second-half winner as Villa beat Wigan 2-1.

The decisive strike at the DW Stadium came just after the hour, Milner firing home through a crowded penalty area.

Villa had led in the 25th minute after a bizarre own goal by James McCarthy – the Republic of Ireland internationalist slicing a clearance into his own net – but Wigan equalised immediately with a Gary Caldwell header.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill was in no doubt where most of the credit for victory was due, hailing the efforts of Milner.

"It was an extraordinary performance by a really good player," O'Neill said. "Since he has stepped into central midfield his game his improved tenfold.