James Millner has been told he can play into his 40s.

But Roberto De Zerbi will not be checking his birth certificate, especially while he is performing as well as he did against Tottenham.

Milner is a likely starter at West Ham tonight, although it remains to be seen in which role.

He operated as a wide or lateral midfielder in the 4-2 success over Spurs and produced his best performance yet for the Seagulls.

Milner goes back a long way.

He is one of the few current Premier League players who have appeared at Withdean, having played there for Swindon in 2003.

The former Liverpool man will tonight equal Ryan Giggs’ tally of 632 Prem appearances with only Sussex-born Gareth Barry ahead of him.

He turns 38 on Thursday and De Zerbi believes he can emulate Teddy Sheringham, the oldest outfield player to appear in the Prem at 40 years and 272 days, which was for West Ham in December, 2006.

The Albion boss said with a smile: “Teddy Sheringham was an amazing player.

“But, yes, I think James can reach that point because physically he has no problem - and he has the passion.

“When I watch him on the training ground or in games, I forget his age.

“The age is on paper. On the pitch if you are 18 or 16 or 40, nothing change.”

Milner has been given some tough roles this season and also some brief outings late in games.

He seemed to relish the chance to get stuck in from kick-off in a midfield mission.

De Zerbi said: “I wasn’t surprised because I know his qualities.

“I think he has played not to the usual level because he has suffered a lot of injuries.

“But about his quality and about the level of the player, everybody knows.

“Not just the experience, we need his qualities.”

Milner made his Swindon debut more than 20 years ago in a 2-2 draw at Withdean.

His opposite numbers in midfield that day included Charlie Oatway, Simon Rodger and Richard Carpenter.

There has been some very good experience gathered since then with top Prem clubs and with England and that is now rubbing off on younger colleagues.

De Zerbi said: “He is helping to reach a higher level in mentality and in the quality of the play.

“He played a fantastic game against Spurs.

“His qualities are clear.

“He has won everything in football but, if you watch him in training, it’s incredible.

“I didn’t think Jack Hinshelwood could become so important for us.

“I am very pleased for him.

“Brighton are lucky. We have not only James Milner.

“We have Pascal Gross, Lallana, Welbeck, Veltman, Lewis Dunk.

“We have a lot of important players who are an example.

“The secret of Brighton is the quality of the people in the dressing room.”

Milner will be kept busy by a Hammers side buzzing after wins over Manchester United and Arsenal.

De Zerbi said: “David Moyes is doing a great job.

“West Ham won the Conference League and this season they are competing in a great way.

“They have a clear style which is different to Brighton and I have big respect for him.

“They won away to Tottenham and Arsenal.

“It’s very tough playing against West Ham because they have an important ability to counter-attack.

“Their last result (at Arsenal) was not a surprise.”

De Zerbi added: “We are conceding too many goals but, if you look at the table, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Tottenham are also conceding too many goals.

“If you want to defend far from your own goal area you take a risk.

“At the end of the season we can analyse our style.

“We’re in a good position in the table but we have to work to improve.

“I would like to have all my players because working without ten or12 players is becoming tough.

“But I have great guys who are competing and fighting with more passion and energy.”