Milner’s got killer instinct for Cas
ADAM MILNER is flying under the radar of England’s selectors but Castleford believe he is their secret weapon.
And Tigers skipper Michael Shenton is also convinced the loose-forward, 25, will soon force his way into Wayne Bennett’s thoughts.
His form will be a timely reminder to today’s Challenge Cup quarter-final opponents, holders Hull.
Shenton said: “Adam has been absolutely fantastic for us and one of our stand-out players this year.
“Inside the club we thought he might get an England call-up because he’s one of the form loose-forwards.
“It didn’t happen but I’m sure his time will come because he’s made a big difference to our defence.”
Six Tigers players were named in the latest England training squad, ahead of the World Cup later this year, when it was announced last month.
Centre Shenton, 30, is one of them but it is the form of 30-try winger Greg Eden and scrum-half Luke Gale that has really caught the eye.
The threats posed by fellow England squad members Zak Hardaker, Mike McMeeken and Paul McShane have also helped Cas top Super League this year.
They are all players who could play a key part in today’s quarter-final at the KCOM Stadium.
But Shenton believes Hull should also be very wary of Milner spoiling their dream of getting back to Wembley.
He said: “He’s gone from playing hooker to No.13 and that’s had a big effect on the way we defend.
“Adam runs straight, he offers something different and the way he carries the ball has transformed us.
“He is starting to get the plaudits he deserves but we think the job he is doing for us is fantastic.
“Everyone talks about Zak, Galey, Greg Eden and Greg Minikin but a lot of what they do comes off the back of what the big guys are doing. They do the tough stuff so the backs can get the tries.”
Cas go into today’s tie on the back of eight straight wins since their 26-24 defeat at Hull in the league in April. Hull v Castleford Today, 3pm, BBC Two