Middlesbrough Football Club News

• Nickname:Boro
• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

• Ground:Riverside Stadium
• Capacity:35,049

Downing gets a rest

15 Sep 2006 - 17:09:45

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Middlesbrough will be without winger Stewart Downing when they travel to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

The 22-year-old picked up a groin injury during England's Euro 2008 qualifying victory in FYR Macedonia, but managed to play in Boro's 1-1 draw at Arsenal last weekend.

Manager Gareth Southgate is keen to avoid the condition developing into a long-term problem and has ordered him to sit out the trip to the Reebok Stadium.

Southgate told Boro's official website: "Stewart has a minor groin injury which I think he developed while he was away with England.

"This will be a chance for him to recharge his batteries, he's had a lot of games this season which have been quite intensive.

"In a way it's good to be able to give him some rest, hopefully he'll be firing on all cylinders when he comes back. I've got to look after Stewart because he is precious goods for us."

Southgate also confirmed that Jonathan Woodgate will skipper the team against Bolton in the absence of club captain George Boateng, who is suspended following his red card at Arsenal.