Caretaker boss MacDonald had little hesitation in naming midfielder Milner in the squad for the opening game of the season after a delay in his anticipated move to Manchester City. MacDonald is also confident Milner's fitness levels will not be an issue even though he has played only 23 minutes - for England against Hungary on Wednesday - since the World Cup. Former Liverpool midfielder MacDonald said: "I didn't have to think hard about putting James in the squad. "It was a pretty straightforward decision for me. You need to get your best players on the pitch. James is one of our best players. "James would also have the mental strength to deal with it if the crowd reaction is hostile. He is a tough lad. "I would expect him not to let it affect him and he is very much a team player." MacDonald is hoping the Villa fans will react positively to the former Newcastle player. He said: "I hope the fans don't get on his back. "I hope they get behind him and say 'whatever happens, he is playing for us today' and look what he has done for us over the previous couple of years." Milner was left out of Villa's pre-season games after reporting back for duty a month after being involved in South Africa. But MacDonald said: "James is one of the fittest players I've come across in my life - and I've come across some very, very fit ones. "The amount of work and running he has done in training would tell me he would have no problems if he was selected to start." MacDonald would also like Milner to remain at Villa long term, although at this juncture it still seems likely a move to Eastlands will eventually go through. He said: "I would love James Milner to be playing for Villa for a few years. "I think he is a very talented player, obviously very sought-after by clubs. "He would only make our team better if he was to stay." MacDonald played under Joe Fagan at Liverpool and was part of Kenny Dalglish's 1986 double-winning side. In addition, he has worked alongside Brian Little, John Gregory, Graham Taylor, David O'Leary and Martin O'Neill at Villa. But he has an open mind on whether he would like the job at Villa permanently should he impress owner Randy Lerner. He said: "I've very much got an open mind. Do I want the job full-time? It's hard to say. I'll see how I enjoy it. "There are loads of people around who would like to take the job of Villa manager. "I've been given the job for this game. I've got no idea how much I will enjoy it. It's all new to me. "I enjoy the coaching side and tactics but the other parts of it, I've not been subject to a great deal." MacDonald is adamant the half-dozen players made available for transfer will be considered for selection. He said: "They will have the same chance as anyone else. I can only pick players on what I see in training, their application etc." Carlos Cuellar and James Collins are ruled out through injury so the likes of Curtis Davies, Luke Young and Ciaran Clark will come into contention to play at the back.
