Downing targets November return

22 September 2009 17:15
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing has targeted November as a comeback date from his fractured foot.[LNB] The-25-year-old winger made a £12million switch to Villa Park from relegated Middlesbrough during the summer.[LNB]But he has not played a game for his new side yet after suffering an injury in a tackle with current team-mate Stiliyan Petrov while still on Boro's books.[LNB]The England international has now had a pin removed from his right foot and manager Martin O'Neill admitted he is in an optimistic mood.[LNB]"Stewart has had the operation," the Villa boss said. "The specialist is particularly pleased with him, which is great news.[LNB]"It is just a matter now of that wound healing and Stewart taking his time. [LNB]"I hear he is targeting November. Knowing Stewart, I am surprised he didn't say tomorrow. I think our doctor would be a bit more careful.[LNB]"He is now going to have a couple of days off but he is very buoyant indeed."[LNB]Downing will be hoping to return to action as soon as possible if he is going to secure a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for next year's World Cup.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports