Exclusive: Aston Villa agree to sign Stewart Downing
After seven Under-21 caps, Downing made his England debut in February 2005 in a home friendly at Villa Park against Holland, replacing Shaun Wright-Phillips in the second half.
He suffered a setback in May 2005 when he was injured training with England on their tour of the USA, keeping him out of the game until 2006.
But he was then included in the England World Cup squad in May 2006 by Sven-Goran Eriksson, coming on as a second half substitute in England’s opening game against Paraguay.
In August 2006 Downing made his first start for England, as Greece were beaten by 4–0, with Downing involved in three of the goals.
His friendship with former manager Steve McClaren was criticised in sections of the media as his international profile continued to grow but Fabio Capello became the third successive England manager to give him an England cap when in March last year he played in the 1–0 friendly defeat to France.
He was also called up for the friendlies against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago where he received the nod ahead of Ashley Young.
Downing has four years remaining on a contract he signed in February 2008.
O’Neill must also decide whether to make an increased offer for Fabian Delph, although he has a number of alternatives including 20-year-old Leicester midfielder Andy King.
Meanwhile, Villa assistant manager John Robertson has denied that Villa are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.
“We are working on some players like any club but this player is not in our plans,” Robertson said.
Villa chief scout Ian Storey-Moore added: “Veloso does not interest our manager,”.
