Aston Villa's new £12million winger Stewart Downing has given the club a major boost after revealing he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken foot.
Downing has been sidelined since he was injured playing for Middlesbrough in the penultimate game of last season against Villa.
He was originally due to be out of action until December but is now aiming for a November comeback.
The England international said: "The latest news I have had from the surgeon is quite positive. I am actually a couple of weeks ahead of schedule.
'I think a week on Monday I will be getting the pin out of my foot and from then on it will be a case of how the foot is feeling depending on the time I come back.
'The initial thought was December to give it time to heal but looking at it now it is feeling strong so I am looking at a November target'
Source: Daily_Mail