Downing ignoring critics

Winger plays down criticism

Last updated: 30th September 2008

Downing ignoring critics

Downing: After Sunderland miss

Whoever is criticising me, it just goes over my head.

Stewart Downing
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Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing insists he is not letting criticism get to him.

The England winger has seen his form dip in recent weeks, seemingly after he was dropped from the national team.

He started the World Cup qualifying win against Andorra, but was overshadowed by his replacement Joe Cole.

He was then benched for the famous win in Croatia and things have not gone well since.

A horrendous penalty miss in the Wear-Tees derby against Sunderland cost Middlesbrough dear as they lost the match 2-0.

Downing, who missed a penalty earlier in the season against Stoke, was handed Boro's captain's armband for the weekend defeat against West Brom and he is adamant that nothing is wrong.

"I was disappointed with the penalties, but the England thing was more anger than disappointment," he said.

"Whoever is criticising me, it just goes over my head."