By Dan Harrison

Luke Young is relishing the task of keeping out good friend Stewart Downing when Villa travel to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The Villa full-back and the Boro winger are close pals from their time together at the Riverside.

Games against the Teesiders will always be special for Young, who made the move from Boro to Villa last summer.

He will be keeping a watchful eye on Downing, who he feels doesn't always get the credit he deserves for his displays.

"He perhaps doesn't get the praise he deserves around the country but Middlesbrough fans know how good he is," said Young.

"He's a very good player - right foot, left foot, great crosses - and he is a real dangerman who can score a few goals. He got 10 for us last season.

"It will be a special game for me. As soon as I left Middlesbrough to come to Villa, I had a look when we were playing them.

"You always look forward to playing against your old club. I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the boys I played alongside last season.

"I have some good friends there and I keep in contact with them - people like Stewart and Gary O'Neill."