West Ham boss Allardyce hails Downing capture

Sam Allardyce believes Stewart Downing can replicate the form of his Aston Villa days after completing a deal to bring the winger from Liverpool to West Ham.

Downing became the third player after Joe Cole and Andy Carroll to trade Anfield for Upton Park this year when he joined the Hammers in a £6m deal on Tuesday.

The 34-cap England international dazzled during his final season at Villa Park before a £20m move to Liverpool in 2011, but he struggled to live up to his price tag during two seasons on Merseyside.

But Allardyce is confident the 29-year-old will rediscover his best form in east London.

He told the club's official website: "Stewart is a great player with a very good pedigree.

"He's a talented boy with good energy, and will improve the team quality, particularly in possession.

"Stewart will be able to produce the kind of ball we need, and will have the opportunity to cross the ball, just as he did at Aston Villa.

"To pick up two players of the quality of Stewart and Andy is good business both financially and in football terms, and they will help to improve us as an attacking unit."