Stewart Downing's Season

Ok I know this would've been far better had I been able to use 'The Year of the Frog' given it's an interview by Steve Froggatt but oh well maybe next time.

Ex Villa winger Froggy believes that we will see the best from £12 million Stewart Downing next season because he'll be spurred on by missing out on England's World Cup glor....disappointment.

Speaking on the Official Site Froggy said he fully expected Downing to join up with the England boys for the provisional 30 man squad after regaining his fitness, so next year he will be determined to get himself back in contention and that will obviously involve much better club form.

'I think he'll be desperately disappointed with the fact that Adam Johnson broke into the 30 ahead of him. I had Stewart Downing as an absolute certainty to go.'

Froggatt admits he is slightly biased, something about a 'left winger's union!' but he does think that Downing gives us some natural balance (although how that works with him playing on the right is anyone's guess).

'He was brought with an injury and he was out for a long time. I know what it is like if you are a 'quickie' and you've been out for a while - it takes a long time to get your pace back. In the end I think he was a bit jaded.'

Froggy ends by saying that Downing will prove to be a 'terrific signing' and over all we will certainly see his best form come next season.

I certainly hope we do, Downing was clearly not fit enough for the games he played, but we did see moments of his form returning, it's just about finding the confidence and consistency now.

What he definitely lacked was the drive to attack people and run for the line, but with a decent pre season behind him and hopefully a steady fitness regime over the season break to give him a head start, we will see the return of the Downing that had Middlesvilla fans crowing he was better than Barry!

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