Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing revealed he was been dreaming of making his Villa Park debut

Nov 27 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

STEWART Downing is dreaming of his claret and blue bow at Villa Park tomorrow after admitting he is relieved to be playing football instead of his frustrating game of patience.

Downing is likely to play some part in the tea-time clash against Villa’s top-four rivals Spurs after easing his way back into action ahead of schedule during the past week.

The former Middlesbrough winger made his Villa debut as a substitute in last weekend’s draw at Burnley and played 75 minutes of the reserves’ 2-1 victory at Arsenal in midweek.

Manager Martin O’Neill took a gamble on Downing in the summer by signing the England winger for a fee which could rise to £12 million, despite him arriving at Villa with a fractured foot.

“It was strange joining a club when you’re injured, but I am ready to play now,” said Downing.

“I feel fit and hopefully I can be involved again at the weekend.

“I have had to be patient. I couldn’t have been any more patient in fact.

‘‘With injuries, it’s vital you don’t rush them because you could easily get a setback, which is the last thing you need.

“But everything has gone well and the more I play now the better. I am feeling good and hopefully I can be involved again against Tottenham.

“I am excited about this weekend but then again everyone is. How can you not be when two good teams go head to head?

“We are both looking for that top four spot. They are playing well and we’re doing well too.

“After the goals that have been flying in, you’d expect a goal fest – but it will probably be a 0-0 now.”

despite him arriving at Villa with a fractured foot.

“It was strange joining a club when you’re injured, but I am ready to play now,” said Downing.

“I feel fit and hopefully I can be involved again at the weekend. I have had to be patient. I couldn’t have been any more patient in fact. With injuries, it is vital you don’t rush them, because you could easily get a setback, which is the last thing you need.

“But everything has gone well and the more I play now the better. I am feeling good and hopefully I can be involved again against Tottenham.

“I am excited about this weekend but then again everyone is. How can you not be when two good teams go head to head?

“We are both looking for that top four spot. They are playing well and so are we. After the goals that have been flying in, you’d expect a goal fest – but it will probably be a 0-0 now.”