Southgate salutes Downing

Boro boss has no desire to sell winger

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 4th February 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Southgate salutes Downing

Downing: Southgate praise

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has reiterated his desire to keep Stewart Downing.

The 23-year-old, who was cut from England's final squad for their friendly with Switzerland by coach Fabio Capello, was strongly linked with a move to Tottenham during the transfer window.

When Boro made it clear they did not want to sell, Downing's responded through his agent by saying he would not sign a new contract.

A spat then ensued between chairman Steve Gibson and Downing's agent Ian Elliott - but Southgate is just hoping he can keep hold of his prized asset.

"I don't know how many times I have said it but I don't think he realises how good he can be," said Southgate.

Recover

"He had to recover from the disappointment the night before a game of being left out of the squad.

"To cope with that and go out to play today - and he nearly scored the winner for us when he hit the post.

"He is a fantastic player. I think the world of him. He is great to work with, he is exactly the sort of character we want at the club and that we want to build the club up around.

"I still firmly believe he loves playing his football for us."