Villa Target Milner, Out For 3 Weeks

Newcastle's rising star James Milner will miss this weekend's match against Birmingham City after suffering an injury to his foot. Though not broken, Milner could be sidelined for up to 3 weeks as he recovers. This means that he could also potentially miss the home game against Fulham and will be looking to return in time for Newcastle's clash against Spurs on 30th March at White Hart Lane.

Manager Kevin Keegan said today of the injury;

"James will definitely miss Birmingham," "We will know more on Monday but we could be looking at two to three weeks."

"He's got a protective boot, not a pot, on his foot at the moment but there is no break."

"He took a heck of a whack when he kicked Lucas' foot."

"But he's a young, fit lad and he'll be back before the end of the season."

In the meantime the daily tabloids are relishing in reporting a renewed interest in Milner from Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

Milner, who spent the 2005/2006 season on loan to Villa has looked set to make a permanent move in the past but has remained with Newcastle.

Rumour has is O'Neill plans to launch an £8million bid for the 22year old midfielder who has 3 years left on his current contract, having signed a new contract last summer.

O'Neill believes Keegan will struggle to keep his top players at the club if Newcastle fall into the Championship at the end of the season.