O'Neill thinks Milner could replace Beckham

Soccer Betting Lines

03/16/2010 - Birmingham, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill thinks James Milner may be the ideal candidate to play on the right side of England's midfield at the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer.

The 24-year-old has often played in a more central role for Villa this season, but O'Neill is confident that Milner could fill the gap left by an injury to veteran David Beckham.

"James can play out there and probably that has been lost a bit since he moved into the middle," O'Neill said. "But he is an all-purpose player and, at this stage, James would have as good a chance as anyone of being on the plane outside of those absolutely nailed on to go to the World Cup.

"If he had to start on the right, he wouldn't let England down. Not at all, no problem."

Beckham tore his Achilles tendon Sunday while playing for AC Milan, and had to undergo surgery Monday that will sideline him for at least six months.

Meanwhile, O'Neill has urged both Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to keep pushing to earn a place on the plane to South Africa, adding: "I would think Stewart and Ashley shouldn't give up.

"They should continue to perform for Villa which is the only way they can get noticed and hope that is enough."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)

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De La Hoya made his own grand entrance at the hotel lobby at around 12:30 p.m. accompanied by GBP chief executive officer Richard Schaefer and trainer Freddie Roach.

The same group of fans who trooped to see Mayweather also lingered around to get a close look at De La Hoya, who has been secretly working out at a Las Vegas gym for days after arriving from his main training camp in Puerto Rico.

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