The England midfielder is not renowned for his scoring ability but was on target in the Tyne-Wear derby and last season hit a controversial penalty winner to see off Birmingham at Villa Park.
Milner, 24, made the record books by scoring a Premier League goal at just 16 for his first club Leeds.
You never lose that buzz from getting a goal. It’s always a great feeling to score and I love derbies.
...Milner...
“The atmosphere is always brilliant, and you want to play in the biggest games and the best atmospheres. Of course a goal would be special, but the main thing is that you’re making the best contribution you can.”
Summer signing Milner well recalls his first game for Leeds against Manchester United - “I got an elbow from David Beckham, the ref missed it” - and needs no instruction on the significance of tonight’s derby.
He said: “We’re both around the same area of the table. If you’re going to get to where you want to be, you’ve got to beat the best teams of the day. But it’s also about picking up points from teams lower down the table.
“You put the two together for real success. Man United are obviously going to be tough for us, but hopefully we’ll take our form from West Brom into the game and get the result we want.”
There will be no derby nerves for James. His crucial spot kick for Villa in April was delayed by the arguments about the award, but he stayed ice cool to hit the winner past on-loan Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart.
