ASTON VILLA v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
DOWNING DUE FOR VILLAINS DEBUT AT VILLA PARK
ComeOnSpurs.com, 26 Nov 2009
Former Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing is set to make his home debut for Aston Villa against Spurs at the weekend after a successful appearance for the Reserves last night.
He completed 75 minutes for the Birmingham outfit in a 2-1 success against Arsenal.
The England star had a late cameo appearance against Burnley last weekend, which saw him back in action for the first time since he broke his foot at Boro in April.
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O'Neill admitted (Press Association): "Having Stewart available has given us another dimension and he is so keen to be involved and make an impression."
Downing could cause Spurs considerable problems down the flanks but with defender James Collins out due to a groin injury, Villa will be weak in defence.
Collins has formed an excellent partnership with Richard Dunne since his move from West Ham in August and O'Neill was full of praise for his new recruit.
He said: "What James has done for us so far hasn't surprised me. He is a quality centre-back, brave, and he can play the ball as well.
"I couldn't have asked much more of him but I would say he is a doubt still at the moment for the weekend and it (the groin) is something we will keep an eye on."
A weaker defence will concern O'Neill, particularly after Spurs scored nine against Wigan last weekend. Whether Downing can do the damage at the other end, waits to be seen...
