Stewart Downing is hoping his Aston Villa home debut on Saturday will be a springboard to claiming a place in England's World Cup squad. The Villa midfielder's return will end a miserable seven months for the 25-year-old who suffered a long-term foot injury which ruled him out of former club Middlesbrough's unsuccessful attempt to avoid relegation.

"That's why I want to get fit and play because it's a big year," Downing said.

"It's a World Cup year and hopefully the manager will think of me and hopefully come and watch and if I can get back to playing again and getting my fitness back and play well then hopefully I'll be in that squad."

Downing has spent almost a third of the 2009/2010 season on the sidelines, but the former Boro winger reckons he stands every chance of getting on the plane to South Africa and he does not think his injury nightmare will hinder his chances of travelling with the Three Lions next summer.

"Before the last World Cup, I was injured up until February with 20 games to go and I made it so I don't think the manager is too fussed," he said.

"If I get back to playing well and my team is doing well I'm sure he will still take me."

As for the competition for places, Downing added: "It's a challenge for us all but I've got to concentrate on myself and getting myself fit and getting in the team."