GO FOR DOWNING IS MORLEY ADVICE.

Byline: BY MAT KENDRICK

ASTON Villa legend Tony Morley has urged Martin O'Neill to bring in another left-footer before tomorrow's transfer deadline to give the claret and blues better balance.

The league and European Cup winning wing wonder would love to see his former club make a late swoop for Middlesbrough's England star Stewart Downing (left).

Morley has been impressed with the way Ashley Young and James Milner have patrolled the flanks during Villa's march up the Premier table.

But the Holte End hero of yesteryear believes O'Neill's men could be even more devastating going forward with a southpaw playing in the left midfield position.

Morley reckons the presence of a naturally left-sided winger would allow Young to be given the freedom to cause mayhem from anywhere on the pitch.

"I do think that since Wayne Routledge left the club that Villa are lacking a bit of cover in the wide midfield positions," said Morley.

"But there's no point bringing somebody in if they're just going to be standing in for Ashley Young and James Milner.

"Martin clearly didn't fancy Routledge enough to use him regularly and if he does bring someone in he'll want them to provide genu ine competition. I know Young and Milner have been doing well and have been working hard for the team, but the problem is they're both right-footed.

"I'm not saying you'd bring someone in to replace Ashley Young, but if you did have a natural left-footer to play wide left it could free him up.

"Young can play up front so Martin would have the option of using him there or he could be given a free role to pop up where he wants."

Villa have distanced themselves from Newcastle's Charles N'Zogbia, despite the French wing-back publicly offering his services to the club.

With a dearth of quality left-footers around, Morley believes Villa should test Boro boss Gareth Southgate's resolve to keep hold of Downing.

"I think Downing would be ideal for Villa and Villa would be ideal for Downing," said Morley.

"Martin has got this reputation for bringing in English players and I think Villa would be very attractive for someone like Downing at the moment.

"It would be quite a prospect seeing Downing down the left-wing, Milner down the right and Young given licence to roam," he added.