Aston Villa FC

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O'Neill sets Downing date

23 Sep 2009 - 08:00:17

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is hopeful that summer signing Stewart Downing will be ready to make his debut in November, after undergoing further surgery on a foot injury.

The 25-year-old England international, a £12million recruit from Middlesbrough, has had a pin removed from his right foot, which he injured against Villa at the tail-end of last season.

O'Neill said: "Stewart has had the operation (to have the pin removed). The specialist is particularly pleased with him, which is great news.

"It is just a matter now of that wound healing and Stewart taking his time.

"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.

"He is now going to have a couple of days off, but he is very buoyant indeed."