Villa chasing CL berth - Downing

21 July 2009 08:48
Downing, who recently completed a switch to Villa Park from Middlesbrough, insists he has joined a club capable of breaking into the Premier League's top four. Martin O'Neill's men came close to achieving that target last season, but a late wobble saw them eventually finish sixth. Few additions have been made to the squad which came unstuck in the 2008/09 campaign, but Downing is adamant that Villa will be a force to be reckoned with in the new season. "I think the aim should be Champions League," the winger told the club's official website. "We were close last season and this time we should try to break up that top four. "It would be great to have a good run in the Europa League too. I am certainly excited by the season ahead. It's a big season for us. "The prospect of playing in Europe was the first thing that came to mind when I heard Villa were interested. "It's a strong squad that has pushed for the Champions League before. That was a massive draw for me."

Source: Team_Talk