Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has praised Stewart
Downing for his performance against Bolton.
The winger set up three and scored one as Boro thrashed Bolton 5-1
at The Riverside Stadium.
Southgate is expecting more of the same from Downing in the future
after his showing against The Trotters.
"He had a fantastic afternoon and I'm delighted for him, I think
that will do him the world of good," Southgate told Sky Sports. "I
think sometimes he doesn't realise what a good player he is.
"The goal that he scored was terrific but some of the crosses he
put in were superb as well so it was a special day for him.
"It was a good performance and I know we'll get more of those from
him."
Southgate was delighted with the overall performance from all of
his side, which saw Boro claim their third successive Premiership
victory.
"I'm really pleased, three wins on the bounce and to play the way
we are at the moment is really enjoyable to watch," Southgate
said.
"There's a belief and togetherness about the team and to be able to
play that way against a side that's as tough as Bolton are is
really pleasing.
"We knew Bolton would be a tough challenge, they had their
strongest side out, they're a very experienced team and normally
they are very difficult to break down but today they've not had the
best of days but that's great credit to us because we've forced the
pace."
Southgate confirmed talks over a new deal with Mark Viduka will
begin soon, but has urged more performances like the one against
Bolton, which saw him net twice.
He added: "We'll start negotiations, but he's started his on the
field. The way he's playing is superb and he doesn't have to do
much more talking than that really."
