Downing has no fear

Villa winger confident top four challenge can be maintained

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 22nd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Downing has no fear

Downing: Villa are flying

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Stewart Downing insists Aston Villa fear no-one in their efforts to secure a top-four finish this season.

The Villans have already seen off Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United this term, marking them out as realistic UEFA Champions League contenders.

Four consecutive victories have helped to keep them in the hunt, while they are now unbeaten in their last seven top flight fixtures.

Martin O'Neill's men do face a tough Christmas, though, with Arsenal and Liverpool coming up in their next two games.

However, Downing is confident that Villa's momentum can carry into the New Year, providing them with an ideal platform on which to build.

"These are big tests but the confidence is flying at the moment and we have proved we can do well against the big teams," said the England international.

Dogged

"We are not fearing anyone. Those teams will be well aware that we have punished the top teams.

"We have a lot of attacking options but we can defend at times and make it dogged. We have had three great wins.

"The boss is pleased and the players are all well pleased also."

Downing is also delighted with his own form of late, with the winger having shone for his new employers since shaking off a foot injury carried over from his time at Middlesbrough.

"I am getting stronger and at the stage where I keep getting my second wind in games," he added.

"There is a lot of competition for places now so no-one takes anything for granted."