Woody stands by Downing
02 Apr 2007 - 13:27:43
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate has backed team-mate Stewart Downing to shrug off some weekend barracking during the 2-0 defeat at West Ham.
Downing was picked on due to his poor display in England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra in midweek, but Woodgate is backing the 22-year-old to bounce back quickly.
He told the Northern Echo: "He's not going to lose any sleep over that. So a few lads booed him, so what? He's not bothered in the slightest.
"I'm sure those boo-boys will be cheering when he's playing for England in the future and producing crosses and goals.
"Stuff like that happens in football and Stewart won't let it affect him. He'll just get on with it and play his football.
"He's a brave lad, he's played for England many times and he's a top-class player. He's set up most of our goals this season and people have to remember he's still just 22.
"He's still learning the game but, for me, he's the best left winger in England."