Downing plays down United link

Stewart Downing is staying calm, despite speculation linking him with a move to Man Utd.

Downing has made huge strides in recent weeks after he was given an extended run in Steve McClaren's first team.

The 20-year-old's sensational form helped guide Boro to European success at Banik Ostrava, before his strike at Old Trafford earlier this month helped his side to a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Red Devils chief Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the England Under-21 star after seeing his clinical finish and reports have now linked Downing with United - who were believed to be monitoring the youngster last season.

Downing only penned a new long-term deal earlier this year after Boro managed to persuade him that his future was best served at his home-town club, despite interest from the likes of Rangers, Newcastle and United.

Downing's agent Ian Elliott insists his young charge is calm about his future.

"I have not heard anything about United," Elliott told skysports.com.

"Stewart is calm and content at the moment.

"He is playing wonderfully well for Middlesbrough and England and that is the most important thing for him, to play on a regular basis.

"He is now showing everyone what most people on Teesside knew he was capable of.

"People are sitting up and taking notice and that is nice, but Stewart is happy.

"As we have always said, first team football is Stewart's main concern and we all hope he has done enough in recent weeks to show that he is worthy of a starting place."

Downing is already being tipped as the answer to England problematic left hand side role, and Elliott admits that the Boro starlet could easily cope with the big stage.

"Stewart is performing brilliantly for the Under-21s and he has now produced top draw performances in Europe and against Manchester United," he added.

"This shows that Stewart is capable of performing at any level and I am sure he would not let anyone down if called upon, but obviously that is not something he is really thinking about at the moment.

"His main concern is Middlesbrough and playing ever week, and I would not have any doubts in saying that if he continues in his current vein of form - Sven Goran Eriksson will coming calling, sooner rather than later."