O'Neill hails Downing attitude

Villa boss admits World Cup hope is big incentive for winger

Last updated: 26th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

O'Neill hails Downing attitude

Downing: So enthusiastic

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Martin O'Neill has labelled Stewart Downing as 'pretty extraordinary' as the winger prepares to make his home debut for Aston Villa.

Downing joined Villa in the summer from Middlesbrough, but was recovering from a foot injury when he completed his move to the Midlands.

He made his first appearance for Villa as a substitute against Burnley last week and is in contention to feature in Saturday's game at home to Tottenham.

Villa boss O'Neill has been delighted with Downing since he joined the club and believes the chance to secure a place in England's World Cup squad is spurring the 25-year-old on.

Enthusiastic

"Of course the World Cup is a pretty big incentive," said O'Neill in the Daily Mirror.

"He will definitely be thinking at the back of his mind that (Fabio) Capello may have him in his thoughts.

"He is so enthusiastic - one of the most enthusiastic trainers we have had and is desperate to get on.

"Anything the coaches ask him to do he will do and a bit more besides. He has been pretty extraordinary.

"I think, having played now even though it was just 20 minutes at Burnley, at least now he has been involved and he will be approaching these games with a wee bit more gusto."

He added: "Having Stewart available has given us another dimension and he is so keen to be involved and make an impression."