James Milner is delighted to have found a stable club in Aston Villa.

He is convinced the lack of drama off the Villa Park pitch is a key element in the way he has developed into a serious contender for a World Cup place with England.

Milner explains: "There's quite a difference between the clubs I've played for. Aston Villa's a big club but it's not in a one-club city like Newcastle and Leeds.

"It's one of the big reasons why I feel more settled now. For one thing, I've actually started and finished the season with the same manager. And there's been nothing dramatic going on.

"There was the trouble at Leeds, the court cases, financial troubles. And at Newcastle there was always something going on. You try your best to get on with your football but when the manager is changing every five minutes, it doesn't make it easy.

"So now I'm enjoying being at a club which is run in the right way. A great owner, a great manager and they have a plan."