Stewart Downing, in action for former club Middlesbrough(credit:
wikipedia)
Midfielder in contention for first start of the season
Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing is set to make his full debut for his new club, in Saturday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park.
Downing, who signed for Martin O’Neill’s side in the summer, but who has been unavailable through injury, returned to the squad for last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Burnley, and made a second-half substitute appearance.
The midfielder then successfully came through 75 minutes on Wednesday night for Villa’s reserves, in their 2-1 win over Arsenal reserves, and is now ready for a Premiership start.
Villa manager O’Neill said of the England international:
"Having Stewart available has given us another dimension and he is so keen to be involved and make an impression."
Aston Villa are 17/11 (Expekt) to beat Spurs on Saturday