Brighton midfielder James Milner equalled a Premier League record when he made his 653rd appearance in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
Milner’s milestone moment came when he was introduced as a substitute for Carlos Baleba in the first half at Villa Park.
The 40-year-old has drawn level with former Villa and Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry for the most games played in the Premier League.
Saluting Milner’s achievement, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said, “It is a special night for James. It’s no coincidence that he’s still proving he can play in the Premier League.
“It’s a pleasure to work with him and have him in our squad as a player and role model.”
Milner’s landmark feat couldn’t stop spluttering Brighton suffering another defeat as Jack Hinshelwood’s 86th-minute own goal gifted the points to Villa.
Of Milner’s 653 appearances, 435 have been starts and 218 from the bench.
A Premier League champion with Liverpool and Manchester City, Milner has made 15 top-flight appearances this season, with 13 as a substitute.
Milner, who made his debut with Leeds in 2002, would break the all-time record if he appears in Brighton’s next league game at Brentford on 21 February.
