By Betting Zone
January 22 2007

Stewart Downing reinforced his claims to the England left-wing position as the 22-year-old once more showed a perfect sense of timing.

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The Middlesbrough player produced a virtuoso display against Bolton to answer his recent critics and put him firmly in Steve McClaren's thinking for England's friendly against Spain in a fortnight.

There have been murmurs of discontent among some Boro fans in recent months that Downing has gone backwards since breaking into England's World Cup squad - he himself admits he has not played to his full potential - but against Bolton he proved what he can do when he believes in himself.

Downing created Middlesbrough's opening three goals - a Gary Speed own goal, a Abel Xavier header and Mark Viduka's volley - before striking a superb fourth himself.

Downing said: "That's my job in the team, to give service to the players up front.

"Now we need to kick on from here and aim for the top seven if we want to get into the UEFA Cup, and we know from last season how good a competition that is.

"I felt I was disappointing against Hull in midweek, I hold my hands up and say I didn't play particularly well but had a great game against Bolton, but that's football."

Downing is now aiming to regain his place in the England side after being dropped by McClaren for the last competitive match, the 2-0 defeat by Croatia in October.

He added: "The European Championships is now the priority and I'm hoping to be selected for the friendly with Spain next month.

"I think I have played okay this season but I know I can do better."

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate believes self-belief is the key to Downing's future.

He said: "He doesn't realise what a threat he is to other teams. I think he has been a bit underneath it in recent weeks and needs belief in himself and confidence."

Kevin Nolan replied for Bolton but Viduka's second made it 5-1 and six goals in five games for the Australian.

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By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.