New England call-up James Milner has insisted the Aston Villa players "will not rest on their laurels" despite being strongly placed to secure a Champions League spot.
Martin O'Neill's side are seven points clear of fourth-placed Arsenal after gaining a club record seventh successive away league win at Blackburn on Saturday.
But Milner, in Fabio Capello's squad for Wednesday's friendly international against Spain in Seville, is confident Villa will not get carried away with their current lofty position.
Milner said: "We have confidence, belief and momenum and those factors are massive in football. It's no surprise when you look at the run we've been on - especially away from home.
"It's never easy going away from Villa Park but we're picking up results. We're playing well too. We're not nicking things. We're playing good football and deserving the victories. That's important.
"We just need to keep going, keep improving and keep working hard. We don't want to rest on our laurels.
"It's a great season so far and people keep throwing things in like Champions League qualification - but we're not thinking about that at all. We just need to keep playing football and keep our minds on the job in hand."
Milner is delighted to finally make the international breakthrough at senior level as one of six Villa players in the squad.
He said: "To represent your country at any level is fantastic but to be called up to the full squad is an absolute honour and a real proud moment in my career.
"I am thrilled and I can't wait to work hard and try to do well in training.
"Villa have six players in the national squad, which is a huge achievement too. Credit has to go to the manager Martin O'Neill for that.
"It'll be great to be part of the set-up and to have so many lads from Villa there too will make it even better."
