Downing wants European push

Posted on 22nd January 2007

Middlesbrough player Stewart Downing wants the club to use their excellent 5-1 win over Bolton as the springboard to push on for a European spot. The winger played an important part in the crushing victory with a goal and no less than three assists as Middlesbrough cut Bolton to ribbons. Now Stewart is urging Boro to follow it up with a push for the top seven and a return to UEFA Cup football after consecutive continental campaigns.

“Team-wise it was a great performance. We were due one because we have been playing quite well - apart from the second half against Hull - and I think we've looked good as a team,” said Downing. “I just want to kick on from here now, don't let a good result be spoiled and aim for the top seven to get into the UEFA Cup. We all know how good that competition is from how well we did in it last time.”

Downing was so rampant against Bolton that right-back Nicky Hunt was hauled off at half-time. Despite the important role he played in the game he played down his contribution: “That’s my job in the team, to set the goals up and give the lads service up front. Confidence is a big thing in the team and we are passing the ball well, which we didn't do at the start of the season, and attacking teams more. From day one the manager wanted us to attack. If you sit off teams you get hurt in this division. But it doesn’t just happen like that, we have been working on things, worked hard on the team shape in the last couple of weeks and how we want to play and it's paying its dividends.”

Earlier Middlesbrough news

Middlesbrough try for Aliadiere
Rochemback a Boro rebel
Southgate just pleased to get through
Viduka resigned to Boro depature
Boateng unlikely to figure in Hull clash
Away win a long time in coming says Southgate
Boro need to take their chances says Slaven
Riggott ready to battle
Middlesbrough interested in pair
Boro hopeful of cup run but Hull confident
Forwards can ease Boro away
Southgate wants Viduka to stay
Southgate delighted at character shown
We must win the battle first says Cattermole
Viduka wants to stay