European Championship U21 - Milner: Souness jibe made me stronger

Eurosport - Mon, 22 Jun 08:44:00 2009

Aston Villa midfielder James Milner has revealed how Graeme Souness' remarks at Newcastle was among the setbacks making him a stronger player mentally.

FOOTBALL Aston Villa midfielder James Milner, who rejected claims that playing for England U21 would result in burnt-out. - 0

The 23-year-old England Under-21 star played for his beloved Leeds when they imploded, then moved to St James' Park where boss Souness said he would not be "buying a team of James Milners".

"It's not an ideal thing for your manager to say," Milner said.

"The mentality from me was to prove him wrong, that is all you can do as a player. It's down to you to prove your ability and show those people who don't rate you that they are wrong.

"You remember the lows more than the highs I suppose and it is how you learn from those."

Milner, meanwhile, is confident that Villa will maintain their stability despite losing Gareth Barry to Manchester City, adding: "I'm sure the manager will make the right signings."

PA Sport

Comment 1 - 7 of 7

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  1. "The 23-year-old England Under-21"

    I'm­ not great at maths, but something doesn't add up.

    From Richard C, on Tue 23 Jun 8:38AM

  2. I think if truth be told getting away from Hotch-Potch­ Park made him stronger. Playing in a better team has­ clearly paid dividends for the lad. He learly always­ had the ability (I remember that scorcher he scored­ against us at the Stadium of Light a couple of seasons­ back to rescue a point for you lot - the game when­ Ashley and his cohorts sat amongst the fans and you­ were all singing Ashley's name, slapping him on the­ back and asking for your programmes to be signed ... he­ had you fooled didn't he ... his pranks never rang­ true to those not wearing Doon Ale goggles).

    From safcalsftm, on Mon 22 Jun 1:49PM

  3. I think if truth be told getting away from Hotch-Potch­ Park made him stronger. Playing in a better team has­ clearly paid dividends for the lad. He learly always­ had the ability (I remember that scorcher he scored­ against us at the Stadium of Light a couple of seasons­ back to rescue a point for you lot - the game when­ Ashley and his cohorts sat amongst the fans and you­ were all singing Ashley's name, slapping him on the­ back and asking for your programmes to be signed ... he­ had you fooled didn't he ... his pranks never rang­ true to those not wearing Doon Ale goggles).

    From safcalsftm, on Mon 22 Jun 1:49PM

  4. Didn't want to see Milner go and wish him well but­ he could still do with a bit of crossing training. Phil­ your spelling of leaving says it all about the mackem­ education system, you thick turkey.

    From Bob R, on Sun 21 Jun 7:17PM

  5. leaveing newcastle made ya stronger son

    From PHIL, on Sat 20 Jun 10:57PM

  6. Aye, we`ve had our fair share of cr@p at the Toon.

    From Bobby Robson A Legend, on Sat 20 Jun 8:30PM

  7. Souness was a wanekr as was Fat Sam, Kinnear and our­ dream duet of "Hughton and Calderwood!"­ Christ we have some real dross over the years chaps,­ hopefully "Fatshley and Llamstein" will­ contract H1 N1 soon of the strongest type!

    From Charles, on Sat 20 Jun 1:53PM
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