Keegan's message to Milner

Feb 4 2008 by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle

NEWCASTLE United boss Kevin Keegan left James Milner on the bench for yesterday’s derby match with Middlesbrough – but promised it will not happen too often again this season.

Keegan had Emre available again following the little Turk’s three-match ban, and when he decided to give Joey Barton his first start since his latest troubles, it was Milner who made way.

Milner has been involved in every Premier League game United have played this season, the only two matches he has missed being the Carling Cup tie against Barnsley and the FA Cup goalless draw at Stoke City.

But Milner is back on England Under-21 duty with Steven Taylor in their European Champion-ship qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Southampton tomorrow night.

And so Keegan felt that he would benefit from a breather after a gruelling few months.

However, Milner will want to be back when United go in against Aston Villa on Saturday after being on loan at Villa Park.

And Keegan told me: “I said to James ‘I don’t think I’ll be calling you in too often to say you’re not playing.’

“I just felt we had to try something different. I just felt that was the best way to go to give Emre a chance.

“I also knew Joey Barton would cover that side (on the right wing) a little bit.

“It was just one