Stewart Downing is back in training and Aston Villa are looking to book his return to Premiership action very soon.

Downing returned to full training earlier this week and Villa report he is on course for a complete recovery from his fractured foot.

Villa paid £10 million, rising to a possible £12 million with add ons, for Downing during the close season.

James Milner: “It is great to have Stewart nearly fit.

“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.”