boro_boy
29-05-2007, 12:39
Stewart Downing has revealed how Peter Crouch helped him overcome the taunts of England fans.
Downing has been criticised by a section of England's support, who believe the winger has been selected on the back of favouritism by his former club boss at Middlesbrough, Steve McClaren.
The winger silenced some of the doubters with his two-goal display for England B against Albania on Friday and he hopes his performance at Turf Moor will have done enough to convince McClaren of his merits ahead of a forthcoming friendly against Brazil.
"Hopefully my display has caused the manager a few selection problems," Downing told the Daily Star.
"It's probably harder for me to impress Steve since he was my manager at Boro and the difference between club level and England is huge."
Downing turned to Crouch, himself a target for the boo boys prior to last summer's World Cup, for advice.
"It's horrible to hear them booing you," added Downing.
"Crouchie had it and we've talked about it. You just have to deal with it and it makes you a stronger person and better player."
Everyone down south thinks he shouldn't be in the team. The media don't like him and this has an negative affect on him. I would just not talk to the media, boycott them. I think downing does a good job for England when he's on form but he is a little inconsistent.
Downing has been criticised by a section of England's support, who believe the winger has been selected on the back of favouritism by his former club boss at Middlesbrough, Steve McClaren.
The winger silenced some of the doubters with his two-goal display for England B against Albania on Friday and he hopes his performance at Turf Moor will have done enough to convince McClaren of his merits ahead of a forthcoming friendly against Brazil.
"Hopefully my display has caused the manager a few selection problems," Downing told the Daily Star.
"It's probably harder for me to impress Steve since he was my manager at Boro and the difference between club level and England is huge."
Downing turned to Crouch, himself a target for the boo boys prior to last summer's World Cup, for advice.
"It's horrible to hear them booing you," added Downing.
"Crouchie had it and we've talked about it. You just have to deal with it and it makes you a stronger person and better player."
Everyone down south thinks he shouldn't be in the team. The media don't like him and this has an negative affect on him. I would just not talk to the media, boycott them. I think downing does a good job for England when he's on form but he is a little inconsistent.