Possibly the brightest star of the Boro' academy and most pleasingly for fans, still wearing the red of Boro' despite persistant transfer speculation...
The much coveted England international has been one of the club’s most consistent performers since making his debut as a 17-year-old in April 2002.
Despite lacking express pace, Downing’s creativity has proved priceless in recent seasons and he shone under Steve McClaren during the side’s run to the final of the UEFA Cup in 2005.
He made his England debut in the same season and has been a regular in the international set-up ever since. Downing was linked with a move away from The Riverside at the end of 2007-08 and continues to attract the attention of the top clubs.