Source: Team_Talk
MO'N backs Downing for central role
Fabio Capello will name his first squad of the new season on Saturday evening for next Wednesday's friendly against Holland but Downing will not be included as he continues his recovery from a broken foot.
However, O'Neill has taken the time to back his recent £12million acquisition for a starting berth in the future - in the middle.
"I can see Downing playing in a number of positions," O'Neill told the Daily Express.
"He can play wide left or wide right, he can play centrally and he can play off the strikers, which he has done many times for Middlesbrough.
"If Downing plays centrally he could become a contender with Gareth Barry. I know from previous reports the England manager is particularly happy with Stewart.
"Capello was asking me when I met him out in Spain last week how well is he progressing. Downing is doing very well, but won't be fit for some time.
"He gets the pin out in September and then we will have a better idea when Downing will be back."
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