Downing looking to the future

Winger happy to put deal behind him

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 26th February 2008

Downing looking to the future

Downing: Pleased

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Stewart Downing was pleased to have finally signed his new contract at Middlesbrough.

The England winger agreed a new five-year deal last week and he finally put pen-to-paper on Monday.

"I signed a new five-year deal so I am very pleased about it," he told Sky Sports News.

"It has been a long decision, I had a lot of things to sort out with the club but it is pleasing it is out of the way as we have a lot of big games coming up.

"The manager was spot on from day one, he never pushed me gave me time and same with the chairman - I was never under pressure."

Big games

Downing is now looking for the club to progress and win things, starting with the FA Cup as they face Sheffield United in their fifth round replay on Wednesday.

"Obviously the Liverpool game we played really well and if we keep building on this it is an exciting time for the club and town," he said.

"I want to win something. I know I was involved in the Carling Cup final, but I didn't play.

"I want more than that; I want to play in a final. We were unlucky in the Uefa Cup; we were up against a really good team in Sevilla.

"But I am really confident about this year that we have got a really good chance.

"We have just got to go out and get the result."

Downing is also looking to work his way back into the England squad after failing to make the final cut for Fabio Capello's first England squad - after he was named in the provisional party.

"A lot, a lot. I even spoke to the manager about it," he said.

"I was extremely disappointed to be left out, especially with no reason why.

"That was the most disappointing bit. But there is no point moaning about it, you might as well just keep playing well.

"If you moan about it then you lose your form. You have just got to keep playing well."