Stewart Downing aims to make his Aston Villa home debut against Tottenham at the weekend, and has backed the Midlanders to claim all three points. Downing has put seven months on the sidelines with a broken foot behind him after making his Villa debut as a substitute against Burnley last weekend.

Downing told Aston Villa TV: "It's great to be back involved and playing football again. It beats slogging away in the gym.

"The injury was obviously frustrating but I think what helped me were the surroundings of a new club, new people. The rehab has been great and the lads have been super with me.

"It was strange joining a club when you're injured but I am ready to play now. I feel fit and hopefully I can be involved again at the weekend.

"I have had to be patient. I couldn't have been any more patient in fact. With injuries, it's vital you don't rush them because you could easily get a setback, which is the last thing you need.

"But everything has gone well and the more I play now the better. I am feeling good and hopefully I can be involved again against Tottenham."