Stewart No Longer Downing

I know....awful. Stewart Downing is smiling again after making his return to first team action last weekend and making his debut in last nights reserves clash against Arsenal. It's good to be back...

Speaking on the Official Site Downing spoke about how happy he was to be back on the pitch and said that he was desperate to play a part in the coming clash against Spurs this weekend.

He also took the opportunity to praise his team mates and the club staff for welcoming him and making him feel at home during his stints in the gym and on the table.

Discussing his injury and his return to fitness, he does curiously say:

'I have had to be patient, with injuries it's vital you don't rush them.'

When to be honest given his surprise inclusion in the Burnley squad it's hard to not think he rushed and pushed himself to get fit. This soon it's amazing to think he can play 20 minutes last weekend, then 75 last night after probably a fortnight of training (if that) after spending 6 months injured.

Let's face it, he was gagging to go and the World Cup no doubt had an impact on that.

On his performances so far, he added:

'It was a strange debut against Burnley - it was very cold. We were chasing the game so it was a cracking game to come into.

'I thought it was a good game against Arsenal and a good result for us. And it's more playing time under my belt. It's all good.

'It is nice to be back in football. It was hard to start with but I really enjoyed the game overall. I thought we played quite well against a good team. It was a good test for me.'

So there we have it. Spurs could be interesting, I am looking forward to seeing Downing, Milner and Young on the pitch at the same point. If they can crack an understanding and work out how and when to switch and drift which each other it would be hellishly confusing for the opposing defence.

That kind of understanding won't occur overnight (if it's even encouraged given there's little switching between Ash and Milly) but I still remember the Arsenal of old with Anders Limpar and Paul Merson crossing over each other and leaving defenders for dead.

If we could have half the luck they used to, we'd have our Plan B!

To read the full quotes from Downing please

b>Click Here

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