OPINION
Aston Villa need to find a little something to give their play off hopes a boost as we enter the climactic months of the season.
Perhaps that something is a former player who is on the chopping block at his current club. Yes, a reunion with former Villan Stewart Downing could be just the thing to get the juices flowing at Villa Park.
The Telegraph reported on Sunday that Middlesbrough are looking to offload the 34-year-old because of a “bizarre” clause in his contract with the club.
It is understood that if the former England international plays just one more time he will be entitled to a pay rise on his £35,000-per-week deal. That’s seemingly not what Boro want, but it could pave the way for his return to Birmingham.
Downing shone during his two years at Villa between 2009 and 2011, doing enough to earn a big money move to Liverpool. Things didn’t quite work out for him at Anfield but he remains a solid Championship contributor. We’ve seen as much this season in a very good Middlesbrough team.
He’s played 26 times and scored twice in all competitions for Tony Pulis’s side this campaign, showing that his (relatively) advanced age is no barrier to success.
Villa have struggled to find consistent production from their wingers this term. Players like Anwar El Ghazi, Yannick Bolaise and Albert Adomah look unplayable one week and anonymous the next.
You know what you’re going to get from Downing, and that’s a solid performance each and every game. He is a steady veteran for a team that needs a helping hand.
He would bring leadership and a winning mentality, two things that have been sorely lacking in Dean Smth’s team in recent weeks. He could be the perfect addition to steady the ship at Villa, and perhaps provide a major promotion boost.