Aaron Hughes has urged Aston Villa to sign James Milner on a permanent basis after describing the midfielder as "one of the top young players in the country."

Milner is currently sidelined with a virus which Hughes admitted was "something similar to glandular fever" and it remains to be seen how much more of a part he can play this season.

Defender Hughes told PA Sport: "I think he would be a great signing for us. Hopefully it works out that way because since he has come down here, he has improved and that will only keep coming with the more games he plays."