Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa 4 Blackburn 1: Downing stakes his claim for an England place in front of Capello
Fabio Capello did not reach for his pen once, but he may well have made a mental note as he watched Stewart Downing torment Blackburn in a 4-1 win at Villa Park on Saturday. [LNB]On the fringes for much of Capello's England reign, the Aston Villa winger must surely be pencilled in for next month's European Championship qualifier against Wales after running Blackburn ragged and capping a 40-yard break with an assured finish. [LNB]Villa manager Gerard Houllier certainly hopes so, after Downing, 26, produced more evidence that any trace of uncertainty from the ordeal of breaking his leg in 2009 has been well and truly banished. [LNB] Making an impression: Downing scores against Blackburn in front of Capello[LNB]'Downing was outstanding and has been for a while,' he said. 'Anyone who has seen our recent games would know he has improved a lot. [LNB]'He has a lot more confidence now. He can pass and also score, as he showed with a fantastic goal. We know his technique is good, and his awareness, and he can also make runs, sometimes to cover or fill in for someone, as well as in an attacking sense. [LNB]'The other good thing about Stewart is that you can put him on either flank, and he will pose a threat. He is one of those rare players who can use his right or left foot and be comfortable. [LNB]'Certainly, I hope to see Stewart in the next England set-up. I like it when my players are selected, for their sake and ours. I think the leg break and confidence factor was at the back of his mind at the beginning of the season, but he looks to be over it now.'[LNB] Villa duo praise Young masterclass in thumping win over BlackburnWait for a full English: 12 years since a homegrown team in Premier LeagueAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Stewart Downing, Gerard Houllier, Fabio Capello Places: United Kingdom, Wales
