Aston Villa FC

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Downing makes Villa debut

22 Nov 2009 - 13:52:54

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill was delighted to see summer signing Stewart Downing finally make his debut for the club in the 1-1 draw at Burnley.

The 25-year-old England winger has spent the first few months of his Villa career recovering from a foot injury, but was fit enough to come on for the final 20 minutes at Turf Moor on Saturday.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "I think it is a big plus for him to get on to the field of play.

"In terms of real match fitness, he is a bit of a distance away from that. I felt with a little spurt here, he might provide a little bit of something for us.

"He got into the action early which was great and he can only improve from there.

"Just to go and get out there and be part of it after having that injury from the back end of last season is just great for him.

"He's a very decent player - he's played a number of times for England and he can play. But I think if he stays clear of injury we'll see the best of him from Christmas onwards."