It cost City £26million to secure his services from Aston Villa last summer.

Attracted by the industry and discipline that has made him a regular member of Fabio Capello's England squad, Roberto Mancini felt certain the 25-year-old would become a key figure in his plans for City this term.

Unfortunately, niggling injuries have disrupted Milner's progress.

Most recently he was out of action with a hamstring complaint as the Blues' season started to nose-dive.

But Milner has no doubt he made the right move.

"Definitely," he said.

"I moved to the club to win trophies and play in the Champions League and we're still on course for that.

"We are also in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. I am delighted with that.

"We didn't get too caught in all the 'can you win the league' talk.

"It is always tough moving teams but I am feeling more at home the longer I am there."

He does accept the standard of the Premier League this term means it might end up looking like a chance missed for a club who have invested record sums since the arrival of Abu Dhabi-based owner Sheikh Mansour.

However, there are other factors that should be taken into account at a club trying to make the transition from middle-ranking makeweights to title challengers in such a short period of time.

"No team has been on fire this season," he said.

"Chelsea had a great start, then struggled. Manchester United have somehow kept winning games without playing well.

"We have to get that mentality.

"It is going to take time. There have been so many changes. You have to get that bond and learn how to play with each other.

"We have played well in spells but in others.

"However, we have the biggest scope to improve out of any team in the league. I think we will do that and continue to get better."

Mad as it has been at times this term, City certainly looks to be a more stable environment than the one at Villa, with renewed talk of dissent behind the scenes and supporters in open revolt against manager Gerard Houllier as the midlands club hurtle towards the relegation zone.

"Who knows what has gone wrong there," said Milner.

"It is obviously gutting for me because I loved my time at the club and want them to do well.

"Villa to finish one point behind City would be the ideal scenario.

"Hopefully they can finish the season strongly and build next year."

Discussion about clubs past and present at least meant Milner did not have to speak about the fall-out from John Terry's reinstatement as England skipper by Fabio Capello, of which the midfielder insists there is none.

Always one of the more down to earth figures within the Three Lions camp, the Yorkshireman stepped forward for media duties after Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll had declined - in contrast to Wales' star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey who have both spoken ahead of Saturday's sell-out Millennium Stadium clash.

Not surprisingly, Robbie Savage has been vocal this week as well, trying to get under England's skin to expose any doubt in the visitors' minds before they head over the Severn Bridge, labelling Terry as one of their weak links.

"He is going to say those things to give Wales confidence because he wants them to win," said Milner.

"We have to prove him wrong. I am sure John Terry has had worse said about him in the past.

"He has proved in the Premier League and for England what a great player he is."

And that is why Milner has no problem with Terry's new status, and is certain none of his team-mates have either.

Equally, as Capello prepares to select a side including Wilshere and Carroll, neither of whom has played a competitive game for their country, Milner has no worries about England lacking experience in a game they must win to regain top spot ahead of Montenegro in the battle to reach Euro 2012.

"They are good players who have played in hostile atmospheres every week in the Premier League," said Milner.

"It helps if you have experienced it before - but they have.

"Jack has played at the Nou Camp in the Champions League, Andy Carroll has played in big games at Newcastle and is now at a big club like Liverpool.

"Ultimately they are good players, which is why they are with us."