By Claire Boden

Stewart Downing is hoping for another good day at the office on Thursday.

That's how the wing wizard described the 3-0 win over West Ham and Downing admits the Villa squad are determined to produce more of the same against Rapid Vienna tomorrow.

Kevin MacDonald's claret and blue charges begin their 2010-11 Europa League quest in the Austrian capital city of Vienna for the eagerly anticipated play-off first leg.

And the 26-year-old is raring to make his European debut for Villa after missing out last season through injury.

"The Europa League is a good competition. I played in at Middlesbrough and played in some fantastic games," he said.

"I know what the atmosphere is like at those grounds and it's brilliant. They are games you want to play in and knowing the way Kev (MacDonald) is - he will send a strong team out there for that game.

"He will want to win that and not want to lose. Now he is in change he has got a job to win games and that's the way it is in management. He will have us ready for the Vienna game and I am looking forward to it."

A foot injury last summer prevented Downing from undergoing a pre-season programme, but this time around it has been a different story for the midfielder.

And he is reaping the rewards with a confidence boosting-performance and a goal on the opening day of the campaign.

"It was a good start for me," he added. "It's always nice to score goals and be involved. Personally for me it was great to get a good start. All round as a team we did very well and it should give the team a lot of confidence.

"It was frustrating being injured and not ideal. The pleasing thing was that I came into a good winning team and it makes things easier. I have had a good pre-season and we have started well. It has gone quite well for me pre-season."