James Milner thrilled by Stewart Downing's quick return
Nov 23 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail
WINGER James Milner was thrilled to see Stewart Downing make a surprise Villa debut at Turf Moor, even though he could be a major threat to his own role as first choice for club and country.
Downing came on for the last half-hour at Burnley, six months after having a metal pin inserted in his foot.
The £12 million former Middlesbrough star had not been expected back until the New Year and could now provide manager Martin O’Neill with a selection headache as Milner and Ashley Young already hog the wings.
Downing is now desperate to feature in England coach Fabio Capello’s thinking for the World Cup Finals and Milner claims that is a good thing – even if they are both battling for the same shirt.
“It was great to see Stew come on – he’s waited a long time for that,” said Milner.
“He’s been patient and he’s worked very hard and not everyone sees that. They don’t see people staying on until four in the afternoon when they’ve been in early and it has been lonely and frustrating for him, but he’s got his reward now and I’m sure he’s delighted.”
Milner admitted he had been as surprised as anyone that Downing had made it back so soon.
“We heard that it might be Christmas but the fact he was travelling with us gave an indication that he was ready,” Milner said.
Downing’s broken foot occurred against Villa last May.
Milner quipped: “It happens in football. It was an accident but it was a good thing for me at the time because I was playing right-back so it helped me out!
“All we know is it’s good to have him back.
“It’s good competition for places and another top player to add to the squad.”
Milner accepts that his own versatility means he could have to switch to a more central role if Downing is to be accommodated.
“As long as I’m out there on the pitch it doesn’t matter to me,” he said.
“If the manager asks me to play anywhere, I’ll play there and as long as England go to the World Cup with the strongest possible squad, it’s a good thing.’’
