Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier tips Stewart Downing for England call

EPL ; Stewart Downing, Aston Villa v Fulham(Getty Images)

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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier believes that Stewart Downing has improved dramatically this season, something which could benefit both Villa and England.

The winger has made 33 appearances for Villa this season and Houllier has hailed his performances as “outstanding” and believes he should be involved more in Fabio Capello’s England squad.

“Stewart is outstanding. Anyone who has seen practically all our games will have noticed he has improved a lot,” he told the club’s official website.

“He’s more confident, he can pass, he can score, his goal was fantastic against Blackburn too.

“He can make runs sometimes to cover and sometimes to fill in. His technique is good and his awareness is good.

“Stewart can be on either side too, right or left. He’s one of those rare players who can use his right or left foot when he’s running. Most players can do it standing still but he can do it on the move.

Downing has won 24 caps for his country but has never been a regular for the Three Lions however Houllier is hopeful his form will see him included in the squad to face Wales in a Euro 2012 qualifier in March, he said: “I hope he’s in the next party, for us and for himself, because I like when our players go and play for their country.”