Lamb tips Downing for greatness

Boro chief executive lavishes praise on winger

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 27th June 2008

Stewart Downing Middlesbrough Birmingham City

Downing: Lamb praise

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Chief executive Keith Lamb believes Stewart Downing can fulfil his ambitions at Middlesbrough.

Downing has been linked with a move away from Teesside but he signed a new deal midway through last season and Lamb is convinced he will be at the club for a long time to come.

The 23-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign last term and became more established in the England scene.

Lamb now expects Downing to go from strength to strength and emerge as one of the top players in Europe.

"We were all delighted that Stewart signed a new contract last season. We believe he is happy and settled here," Lamb told Middlesbrough's official website.

"Having said that, we know that Stewart has to achieve all that his talent allows, so the onus is on Middlesbrough to ensure his ambitions are fulfilled here.

Best still to come

"Stewart's got everything as a player and is playing possibly the best football of his career, both for Middlesbrough and for England.

"But I don't believe he has fulfilled his potential yet.

"His best years are ahead of him. In fact, we believe Stewart will become one of the best footballers not just in Britain but in Europe."

Downing linked up well with Afonso Alves towards the end of last season but Lamb also believes there is room for improvement in the Brazilian striker.

He said: "There is no doubt in anybody's mind that, with the right service, Afonso Alves will deliver the goals.

"Having gone through a settling in process last season, it will be interesting to see how he links up with the likes of Tuncay, Mido and Jeremie Aliadiere.

"We saw brief glimpses of what he is capable of in our games against Manchester United and Manchester City, but we feel there is a lot more to come."