JERMAINE Jenas has tipped Newcastle team-mate James Milner to force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Milner will complete a whirlwind four days when he lines up for England Under-21s this evening as they take on their Ukrainian counterparts at the Riverside.

The 18-year-old made his senior debut for the Magpies on the same ground last weekend as Sir Bobby Robson's side opened their Premiership account with a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough.

Milner was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up following his £3.6m summer switch from Leeds, but the teenager proved his worth with a composed and competitive display.

Jenas was one of three Newcastle midfielders who linked up with the full England squad at Slaley Hall yesterday as they prepared for tomorrow night's St James' Park showdown with Ukraine.

Kieron Dyer and Nicky Butt are also hoping to impress Sven Goran Eriksson as he finalises his plans ahead of next month's crucial World Cup qualifiers in Austria and Poland.

And, despite Milner starting on the right of midfield on Saturday, his ability to play on either flank could yet see him fast-tracked into the senior fold.

"I know he's young but England are always on the look-out for players at home on the left," said Jenas, who is expected to come off the bench to win his seventh international cap tomorrow.

"When the 2006 World Cup comes along, don't be surprised if James is one of the lads up for selection.

"He's got two good feet and his work ethic is excellent. He's a player who's happy to get stuck in and he loves a good fight.

"He's not the type of winger who will go missing and, when it comes to a tough Premiership away game in the middle of December, he'll be right in the thick of the battle."

Milner marked his full Newcastle debut with a series of impressive surges down the right flank, but even Robson admitted that his final delivery occasionally failed to live up to his build-up play.

That should come over time, with the youngster still finding his feet in the Premiership following a fraught season at Elland Road.

Jenas knows all about handling the pressure of a big-money move at such a tender age, as he was just 18 when he made a £5m switch from Nottingham Forest in February 2002.

"At the age of 18, James is an oustanding talent," said Jenas. "But, like me at that age, he has a lot to learn about playing for a huge club like Newcastle in the Premiership and Europe.

"I know from personal experience that he's at one of the best football schools in the country and he can't fail to improve as a player here.

"There will be some tough times ahead this season - but James is the kind of lad who will relish the challenge."

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