THE PRESS have been raving about 'special talent' Stewart Downing's slaying of Bolton, labelling it one of the performances of the season so far. Read more in our What The Papers Say special...
Independent on Sunday: Consistency now holds the key to Downing's international career but this definitive performance proved his is a special talent who must be nurtured, not chastised, in the future.
Daily Mail: Two years ago Stewart Downing did not believe he had a future at Middlesbrough - but a few more displays like this will persuade even his harshest critics that he deserves an England place.
Daily Telegraph: While Jonathan Woodgate rarely required second gear to contain woeful Wanderers, both Abel Xavier and Mark Viduka performed with aplomb in aspiring to Man of the Match nomination. However, it was the delightful Downing, tormentor of the visitors in creating the first three goals and then stunningly rifling the fourth - who emerged the outstanding performer. Still only 22 and already capped eight times by England, Downing is the charismatic figure in a group of talented young players Southgate hopes can elevate the club to a higher level.
Guardian: Unfortunately for Nicky Hunt, all Downing's self-doubt had been exorcised in time for Bolton's visit. Sam Allardyce withdrew his shell-shocked right-back, by which time Downing had not only created three goals and scored another but totally humiliated Hunt. Almost every other Downing touch threatened a goal.
Journal: On paper, the clash with Champions League place chasing Bolton was a tough game. In reality it was a walkover as Boro's positive approach and clinical finishing made it look easy.
Sunday Times: According to the Boro manager, Mark Viduka is almost unplayable at the moment, something Bolton found of all 10 men in red shirts.
Sun: Stewart Downing is in the kind of form to win back his England place. Lee Cattermole is looking more like a future England star with every game.
Daily Mirror: Boro have won their last three Premiership games in emphatic style and Downing was simply superb against ten-man Bolton.
Daily Express: Downing tormented full-back Nicky Hunt with a dazzling display of wing wizardry and went into the break with three assists and a spectacular solo strike as his side took a 4-1 lead.
Daily Star: Match-winner Stewart Downing claimed a flamboyant five-star performance could persuade Jonathan Woodgate to sign a permanent four-year deal at the Riverside.
Daily Star Sunday: Stewart Downing not good enough for England? On this showing nothing could be further from the truth. Downing's contribution has to be the individual performance of the season.
News of the World: Gareth Southgate purred: 'Sometimes Stewart doesn't realise how good a player he is.'
Sunday Mirror: Allardyce said: 'You've got to give full credit to Middlesbrough. They were absolutely terrific and the quality of some of their goals was simply superb. I can sum it all up in three words: Downing, Viduka, Yakubu.'
People: Boro players urged boss Gareth Southgate at a team meeting to ditch his safety-first approach - yesterday the message got through. Boro became the great entertainers.
Independent: If David Beckham turned to the Galaxy after never quite recovering from a disappointing World Cup, then his erstwhile international team-mate Stewart Downing is reaching for the stars.
Mail on Sunday: Gardner forced a brilliant save from Schwarzer as Bolton managed one final gesture but it was Boro's day. And Downing's. He went off to a standing ovation with two minutes left.
Times: If it is entertainment you are after, the Riverside Stadium is where you want to be. Nine goals in four days, 16 in five matches and a venue that has, at times, provided little more than ritualised torture, is offering the hottest ticket for top-flight entertainment.
Observer: Johnny Spuhler would have approved.
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