Middlesbrough FC

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• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Gibson: Downing for top four

30 May 2009 - 11:51:21

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Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson believes that winger Stewart Downing will only leave the club for one of the top four in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old England international is expected to exit relegated Boro this summer, although a foot injury may delay his departure from the Riverside until next season.

Gibson said: "We had an unspoken agreement that if the right club came in and I believe Stewart is a top-four club player, then we wouldn't stand in his way.

"It's a short career. There comes a point where a player must sit down and, without emotion, make a decision about their career.

"He has five or six years left at the top. Can I offer him European football? No. Does he deserve European football? In my opinion, yes."