Downing cites Capello impact

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has cited Fabio Capello's man-management skills for his belated arrival on the international scene.

The 24-year-old wideman produced arguably his best performance in an England shirt during Wednesday's 2-1 friendly victory over Germany in Berlin.

Downing has been on the international scene for three years without managing to hold down a starting place, but believes a regular spot in future line-ups is now within his grasp.

"I don't just want to be in the squad, I want to play," he told the Northern Echo.

"If I keep playing well, then hopefully, the manager will keep playing me. I haven't always been given the chance at international level but Fabio has given me more of an opportunity.

"Before it was more of a settled team. Fabio came in and everyone's had a fresh start. He asks players to play with confidence and he's certainly given me that.

"That was probably my best performance and I want to carry that on and play in the qualifiers as well.

"If you do well under Fabio, you have the confidence he will stick with you. That's how I feel. It's not all about names or whatever, it's about performances.

"If you are not playing well for your club, then you won't be picked."