Debutant Downing stars as quartet give Capello a nudge
PORTSMOUTH (2) vs ASTON VILLA (4)
ENGLAND hopeful Stewart Downing scored on his full debut to help Aston Villa cruise into the last four of the Carling Cup at the expense of struggling Portsmouth.
Summer signing Downing was making his first start for Martin O’Neill’s men after breaking his foot playing for Middlesbrough in May.
He was one of four Villa hopefuls for England’s World Cup squad to score – giving Fabio Capello plenty to ponder.
Downing wasted no time in making his mark by netting Villa’s third goal as Martin O’Neill’s side came from behind to put paid to the Premier League’s bottom club.
Avram Grant, presiding over his first cup match in charge at Fratton Park, saw his side get off to the best possible start when Stiliyan Petrov sliced Danny Webber’s corner into his own net with just ten minutes gone.
But Villa were back level within two minutes when Emile Heskey ran through to chip the ball past keeper Asmir Begovic.
James Milner then gave the visitors the lead when turning Michael Brown and unleashing a fine strike into the corner of the net.
Downing capped an impressive return with a third but Kanu stole a lifeline for the hosts when shooting low past Villa keeper Brad Guzan.
But Villa weren’t to be denied and winger Ashley Young’s close range effort soon wrapped things up.