Downing delighted to be back

Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing has revealed his frustration after six months on the sidelines, but now has Wembley in his sights following his goalscoring comeback.

The 25-year-old suffered a fractured foot while playing for Middlesbrough, ironically against Villa, in May. He made his first appearance for Villa as a substitute against Burnley on November 21 and his first start on Tuesday night resulted in a goal against Portsmouth which helped send his new club into the last four of the Carling Cup.

"It has been frustrating but the main thing is I am through it now, through the Portsmouth game and I got a goal," he said.

"I think I just got more and more confident as the game went on. There were some cracking goals and I am so pleased we are in the hat now for the next round.

"It was a great night for everyone at the club. It was a tremendous win."

England winger Downing also has the incentive of the World Cup at the end of the season, although his main focus at the moment is getting back to full fitness and playing regularly under club manager Martin O'Neill.

He added: "The manager just said to me to go out and enjoy it and that's what I did. Obviously the fans have been looking at me as the new signing and as the new player.

"It was nice to hear them sing my name and give me added confidence."