Source: Daily_Mail
Downing injury a blessing in disguise for Middlesbrough chief executive Lamb
Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has admitted Stewart Downing's injury could prove to be a bonus for the club. Â
The 24-year-old England international seemed certain to leave the Riverside Stadium this summer as the club's relegation from the Barclays Premier League became inevitable. Â
However, the foot injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the penultimate game of the last campaign will sideline him for between four and six months, and that could mean prospective buyers may wait until next January to make their move. Â
Boro, who rejected a bid of around £15million for Downing from Tottenham in January this year, have made no secret of the fact they will sell the midfielder if the right offer comes along following assurances given to him by chairman Steve Gibson at the time. Â
However, the long period of rehabilitation he faces could yet see him turn out for his home-town club in the Coca-Cola Championship, at least for a few months. Â
While that means the Teessiders will not be able to cash in on one of their most valuable assets, they will at least have his talent at their disposal. Â
Lamb told the Evening Gazette: 'The strategy has always been that if the right club comes in for Stewart and it's right for Middlesbrough, then we will let him leave.
'Because of the nature of the injury that Stewart has sustained, we will have to see if, and when, that happens. Â
'The extent of his injury suggests that we will have to wait. But if Stewart is still here in September, then we will be delighted.
'We don't know how long he will be out, but I believe that he will overcome the injury reasonably quickly. Â
'It means that we will have him playing for us in the Championship terrorising defences, and that's got to be a good thing for Middlesbrough.'
Relegation means Boro may want to offload certain players and will have little choice but to allow others to leave as they consider the implications for their careers. Â
But Lamb insisted Downing's best interests, as well as those of the club, would be taken into account in any decision over his future. Â
He said: 'If it goes to January when the next transfer window opens, then we will have to wait and see what happens. Â
'In making any decisions, we will put Stewart first.'
Defender Robert Huth has hinted he could return to Germany, while Matthew Bates has been linked with West Ham, Fulham, Wigan and, with former Latics boss Steve Bruce now in charge at Sunderland.
