By Paul Brown

Stewart Downing can't wait to get down to the serious business of Barclays Premier League action after rounding off pre-season with an impressive display against Valencia.

Downing looked sharp against the Spanish giants after completing a full pre-season in claret and blue.

The previous term, Downing was forced to sit out pre-season and the first three months of the campaign due to a broken foot.

Now he's raring to go after excelling in the final game before the serious business begins.

He said: "It was a very good test obviously - it was tough at times.

"It was our last game and we put a lot of effort in. I thought it was a good test against a good team - different to what we face in the Premier League but, like I have said before, we are going to get that in the Europa League.

"It was a good test ahead of the new season and, with a little bit of luck, we could have won the game.

"It was good [to get a full 90 minutes]. The manager was making subs but personally I wanted to stay on and get that 90 minutes under my belt so I am pleased about that.

"I am looking forward to the season now and I can sense the atmosphere building and the lads are getting excited for the start of the season.

"It would have been nice to score and win in front of our own crowd but I think you can see the signs we are a good team.

"We have seen a lot of young lads coming on and they have done very well.

"The strength in depth is looking better and better so it was pleasing things all round."

Downing, of course, almost won the game for Villa with an exquisite chip, which smashed against the crossbar.

He added: "The first thought with that chance was to blast it at goal but then I saw the gap to the goalkeeper's left and I thought - if I can get it over the wall then it's got a chance.

"It only needed half an inch and it might have hit the bar and gone in.

"Hopefully I will see the back of the net this season."