Stewart Downing Bio Send To Friend  

Talented left-sided midfielder Downing was a vital component of the Middlesbrough side, before he made the move to Aston Villa for £12m in the summer of 2009.

Thanks to his excellent crossing and fair share of goals, Downing is also a regular England squad member and is viewed as one of the best wingers in the Premier League.

The Middlesbrough native made his international debut against Holland in 2005 but sustained a serious knee injury while on a tour of the US with England which curtailed his 2005-06 season.

He returned to action and turned in a string of superb performances, not least against Steua Bucharest in the club's UEFA Cup run, earned him a recall to the England national team and a place in the 2006 World Cup squad.

Downing made just two appearances as a substitute in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but despite England's disappointing showing at the tournament Downing impressed and went on to earn nine more caps during the 2006-07 season.

The scourge of many Premier League right-backs Downing has continued to impress over the past few seasons and was Boro's most consistent player before he chose to continue his career at Villa Park.

His energy, creativity, ability to beat a man and crossing skills make him a dangerous customer - a real asset to the side - and his stature was proven by Villa's decision to sign him in July 2009, despite him not being fit to play again until December.