Downing Set For Central Role

Downing Set For Central Role

Stewart Downing may be set to move into central midfield after an impressive performance against Manchester United.

Middlesbrough FC boss, Gareth Southgate has told the Evening Gazette: “We wanted to have a look at Stewart in the middle".

“We wanted to find a way of making sure that we got his qualities into the game".

“He’s played most of his football wide left but I thought he did very well on Monday and he showed that he can play inside as well".

“In fact the central midfield three all did very well at Old Trafford".

“We wanted Julio Arca on the ball so that Stewart and Gary O’Neil could do a bit of the running".

“It gave us the opportunity to dictate at times and it stopped them getting a lot of their usual service from midfield".

“It’s given me a lot to think about.”

This could lead to Gareth Southgate experimenting with the Midfield against Barrow in the FA Cup on Saturday.

An option for Saturday, if Southgate is willing to field a strong team, is to play Adam Johnson wide left, Downing and either Digard or Arca in the middle, with Aliadiere wide right.

Emnes is almost certain to start the game, either as as a Striker or on the right wing. Alves also seems set to start in an attempt to get the goals flowing.

Brad Jones may get 90 minutes while David Wheater, Robert Huth, Andrew Taylor and Matthew Bates are all pushing for a start.

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