Rangers were first linked to Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing back in March [Teeside Live], and one Riverside legend thinks he’d be a huge success if a move came to fruition.
Former Middlesbrough and Republic of Ireland striker Bernie Slaven believes Downing would “make his mark” in Glasgow.
In complimentary comments, Slaven waxed lyrical about Middlesbrough Academy graduate Downing. And he believes that no matter where he goes next, he’ll leave an impression.
Boro legend Slaven believes Downing would be a huge success at Rangers. (Photo by Ben Radford/Allsport/Getty Images)
“There has been talk of Rangers and if there is anything in that he could definitely make his mark there.
“Wherever he goes I just hope he enjoys it and shows what he can still do.”
Slaven went on to say in the interview that Downing was the best player Middlesbrough had produced in “decades”.
Slaven spoke about his ability to cross a ball, the hard-work that the winger puts in on the pitch and how much of a gentleman Downing is off it.
Stewart Downing has made 40 appearances for Middlesborough this season, scoring two goals. (Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Downing is reportedly set to turn the chance to join Rangers in favour of a move to Sunderland, according to Northern Echo [via Crawley Observer].
Downing is out of contract at the end of the season and looks set to be released by Boro. Now 34, Downing is also a former England teammate of Steven Gerrard’s, earning 35 caps for his country.