Middlesbrough tie up Downing
Friday, July 8, 2005
Article summary
The England winger Stewart Downing has committed his future to Middlesbrough FC by signing a five-year contract.
Article body
Impressive campaign
The 20-year-old came to prominence in 2004/05, making 28 starts in the English Premiership and also featuring eight times in the UEFA Cup, scoring against Egaleo FC as Middlesbrough reached the last 16. In addition, the left-sided player registered five goals in the league, and made his international debut in a friendly against the Netherlands in February.
Knee operation
Downing - whose previous deal ran until 2008 - was initially part of coach Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad for England's tour of the United States at the end of May but was forced to withdraw with a knee injury. He then underwent surgery to remove a small piece of cartilage from his left knee, but is expected to be fit for the new season.
