Europea League date for MacDonald

MacDonald took the reins at Villa Park after Martin O'Neill's shock decision to resign as manager earlier this week. Villa buried all the distractions of O'Neill's exit - and James Milner's proposed move to Manchester City - by turning in a commanding performance as West Ham were swept aside 3-0 on Saturday. Stewart Downing and Stiliyan Petrov put Villa into a commanding lead before Milner wrapped up the victory in what could be his final match for the club. MacDonald said: "I saw Randy. He came in to see me and was obviously delighted with how the team played. "He said to get preparing now for Thursday's game. "It's too soon after the game to say I want the job (full-time). "I'm still on that high because we won 3-0. Tomorrow I might not have enjoyed it as much as I should have done. "It can only get worse after winning 3-0 - maybe I should retire now!" MacDonald revealed negotiations over Milner's proposed move to Manchester City are still locked "in stalemate" - but he admitted there could be a breakthrough at any stage. The England international appears to be on the verge of a move to to Eastlands in a deal, believed to be worth £30million, which could see Stephen Ireland heading in the opposite direction. Despite all the discussions, Milner started against West Ham and turned the pre-match jeers into cheers as he left Villa Park to a standing ovation. "It wasn't very easy for him out there. There were a few grumblings (from the fans) but that shows how good he is and how tough he is," said MacDonald. "Within five minutes the crowd realised James is still James. He's an Aston Villa player and wants to do the best he can do. "The ovation at the end of the game was rightly deserved. James is a tough lad, he gets on with the game and tries to improve himself, football-wise and physically. "That's why I had no problems playing him. "I think he's held in very high esteem throughout the country and that's why other clubs are trying to buy him. "The latest I heard, there was still a stalemate with Man City. But that could change within hours." West Ham manager Avram Grant admitted his new side had been comprehensively outplayed by Villa, who seemed a fitter and more determined outfit. "I was not pleased with the performance and not with the result, even if the first goal was from a clear offside," said Grant. "We didn't play well. They were better than us. Villa played sharp and quick like we planned to do. It was not so good. "It is the beginning of the season. I spoke with the players when we started and I said I wanted to see how the players react when we win and when we lose. "One thing you see in all my teams before is that they react well to a defeat like this. There is a lot to learn from this game and I am sure the season will look much, much better."