Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes the carrot of a World Cup place has inspired Stewart Downing to return from injury ahead of schedule.

O'Neill believes Downing, who has 23 caps, has come back promptly to boost his hopes of going to South Africa with Fabio Capello's squad.

O'Neill said: "Of course the World Cup is a pretty big incentive.

"He will definitely be thinking at the back of his mind that 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."