Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing has taken another step on the road to fitness by having a pin removed from the right foot which he fractured at the end of last season.
The England player made a £12million switch from Middlesbrough to Villa Park during the close season even though it was evident he would not feature until the tail-end of 2009.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: "Stewart has had the operation (to have the pin removed). The specialist is particularly pleased with him, which is great news. It is just a matter now of that wound healing and Stewart taking his time."
He added: "I hear he is targeting November. Knowing Stewart, I am surprised he didn't say tomorrow! I think our doctor would be a bit more careful.
"He is now going to have a couple of days off but he is very buoyant indeed."
O'Neill is hoping Downing will be able to make a telling impact during the second half of the campaign, when he will also be staking his claims to be part of Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.
He suffered the broken foot in a challenge with Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov on Middlesbrough duty at Villa Park in May.
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Stench - Exactly what I think. Can't see Young going anywhere. Think MON brought Downing to change our style & way of play. Playing so much better 4-5-1. On the other hand feel bit sorry for Carew, but he is making a good impact sub at moment. Villa for Life!!!
like ballack overated!! least e isnt overated an on 130 grand a week lyk ballack
i hope we play ashley young behind the strikers or as an attacking cm and downing on the left wing. reo coker comes out the team in place of downing. that'll do nicely.
who is he gonna get a game in front of exactly? 1 of most over rated players in league
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