James Milner is backing Aston Villa teammate Stewart Downing to make a big impact once he's fully fit.

Downing's debut for his new side has been pencilled in for next month and Milner, who is competing with his new team-mate for a place in England's World Cup squad, is confident he will add real quality to Villa's squad.

"It is great to have Stewart nearly fit," Milner told the Birmingham Mail.

"He is a top player. He will prove to be a great signing for us, another good addition.

"He has started training again. He has been out for a while so it will take him a few games to get that fitness back but he has worked very hard to get where he is.

"It wasn't a nice injury. It was a tough injury to get back from but he has worked very hard and it will be great to have him back and another great addition to the squad."