Aston Villa 3 - 0 Hull City

Milner inspires Villa victory

Aston Villa's James Milner scores their second goal

James Milner delivered another reminder why he should be part of England's World Cup squad by inspiring Aston Villa to a comfortable 3-0 home win over Hull which maintained their European push.

James Milner delivered another reminder why he should be part of England's World Cup squad by inspiring Aston Villa to a comfortable 3-0 home win over Hull which maintained their European push.

Milner set up the opening goal for central defender Richard Dunne and scored the second himself before half-time with an exquisite lob.

John Carew added a third from the penalty spot two minutes from time.

To make matters worse for the Tigers, midfielder Jimmy Bullard had to be substituted after 18 minutes through injury to his left knee, which has been responsible for lengthy lay-offs in the past.

The former Fulham player had only returned to action in October after nine months out of action and had played a major role in Hull's recent revival.

But it is doubtful whether even Bullard at his best would have been able to contain Villa who produced some of their best football of the campaign in the opening 45 minutes when inspired by Milner.

He made his first England start against Brazil last month and Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes his versatility could clinch him a place on the plane to South Africa. The 23-year-old has played predominantly on the flanks for Villa but slotted effectively into a central role.

Stewart Downing impressed on his home Barclays Premier League debut before understandably tiring after his lengthy injury lay-off, while skipper Stiliyan Petrov and full-back Luke Young also played key roles.

Hull never threatened to extend their four-game unbeaten run and it was like a cloud was hanging over them once Bullard had hobbled to the dressing room to supportive applause from both sets of fans.