Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that Stewart Downing could make his home debut against high flying Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

The 25-year-old is yet to feature at Villa Park since his £12million summer move from Middlesbrough due to a foot injury he sustained playing whilst with Boro last season, ironically against Villa.

Downing came on as a second half substitute for Villa during their 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor last weekend to the delight of the travelling Villains supporters.

He also played 75 minutes for Villa's reserves against Arsenal at Underhill on Wednesday evening, setting up one of his side's goals in their 2-1 win.

Ulsterman O'Neill has been impressed with Downing's attitude thus far and has hinted he may be ready to start the England winger in Saturday's teatime kick-off.

"Having Stewart available has given us another dimension and he is so keen to be involved and make an impression," O'Neill said, according to Press Association Sport.

Downing himself has revealed his delight at returning to action with the West Midlands outfit and he is eager to make an impression against Spurs having spent so much time on the sidelines.

"It is nice to be back in football. We'll test them [Tottenham] definitely because we have players who can score goals and who are very dangerous," Downing told the club's offical website.

"I am sure Tottenham are more than aware of that. I am sure it will be a cracking game. Hopefully we'll get the result. We're all looking forward to it."