Downing's huge lift for Villa

Aston Villa have been boosted by the news Stewart Downing is happy to stay put, claiming the club is 'heading in the right direction'.

The England international winger has been heavily linked with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea following Villa's disappointing season in which they have only recently secured their Premier League safety.

However, following discussions with his agent and Villa boss Gerard Houllier, Downing, who picked up three player-of-the-season awards, has boosted the club by confirming that he has no plans to depart.

He told the club's website: "I think there have been a couple of conversations already with my agent.

"I've already spoken to the manager who has said he'd like to keep me.

"I'm enjoying my stay here. I've enjoyed it since the first day I came. It's a terrific football club. It's fantastic they want me.

"There are terrific players here. I'm confident, despite this season, we're going in the right direction and if we get the right players in then I'm happy.

"The important thing in football is - if you're happy why change it? I know it's been a disappointing season, but I can see the bigger picture. It's great here.

"I've still got two years left on my contract and they've come to me with an offer.

"For a player that is brilliant because it gives you confidence that they have faith in you and that they reward people if they do well."

He added: "If you see the young lads this season, they've all signed up to new deals so we're heading in the right direction.

"Darren Bent's come here too. He's a big player and probably the main striker for England at the moment. I know he was desperate to come here.

"That's because it's a fantastic football club. It's massive. We all know it should be doing a lot better than this and we will."

Source: Sport.co.uk

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