Stewart Downing urges Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier to buy five new players

Reinforcements required: Villa winger DowningStewart Downing believes new Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier needs to bring in up to five new players during the January transfer window. Downing is currently Villa's top scorer during the current campaign with five goals. But Villa have been hit by a string of injuries which has left Houllier having to put his faith in youth. Gabriel Agbonlahor is currently Villa's only fully-fit senior striker although John Carew made a reserve comeback this week. When asked if Villa need to sign a new forward in January, Downing said: 'We've got one (experienced) striker at the moment in Gabby and he has just come back from injury. 'It would be unfair to put a lot of pressure on young Nathan (Delfouneso) to manage right through the season. 'If you look at things, as they are at the moment, I would say we probably do need a striker. But we probably need four or five players, not just a striker.' Downing is confident Villa's fortunes will improve as they prepare for Saturday's home clash with Arsenal. He said: 'I think we need to play as we did against Manchester United and with a bit of luck, we will get results. Flying solo: Agbonlahor (left) is the only fit senior striker available for Villa'The lads are still confident. It is not as if we have been playing poorly and losing. 'We have been playing well. We just need to kill teams off.' Downing has plenty of respect for the Gunners but has faith in Villa if they are at their best. He said: 'We know what we are going to get from Arsenal. They pass it around and make it difficult for you. 'But we have got to concentrate on our own game and, on our day, we can beat anyone.' Hands off! Houllier slaps £80m tag on United and Liverpool target YoungAll the latest Premier League team news ahead of the weekendGabriel Agbonlahor vows to regain his goal-den touch for Aston VillaAlbrighton is 12th man on Aston Villa treatment table after appendix opASTON VILLA FC

Source: Daily_Mail