Downing shines as Villa go through

Stewart Downing scored on his first start for Aston Villa to help send them into the Carling Cup semi-finals after a 4-2 win at Portsmouth.

Downing suffered a fractured foot in May, against Villa while playing for Middlesbrough, but boss Martin O'Neill deemed him ready for a starting place after making his debut as a substitute last month and the summer signing wrapped up victory at Fratton Park.

Stiliyan Petrov's early own goal was cancelled out by Emile Heskey's equaliser, with James Milner establishing a lead for the visitors before Downing struck late on. Kanu pulled one back to set up an exciting finale but Ashley Young made sure of victory.

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