Downing to miss qualifiers

May 22, 2009

The injury that Middlesbrough winger picked up against Aston Villa last Saturday is not only going to keep him out of the crucial final game of the season at the weekend but also two crucial England World Cup qualifiers.

“Stewart is going to be out for two or three months at least,” said Boro’s assistant manager Malcolm Crosby.

England face Kazakhstan on 6 June then play Andorra at home four days later.

“I have looked at the challenge again and, while it was a clumsy challenge, I think it was an accident. I don’t think for one minute he meant to do it,” said Crosby.

“Injuries are part of the game and you get used to them happening when you least want them.”

Crosby added: “Stewart has played every game for us this season and has made a big contribution. He hasn’t scored goals but he has worked extremely hard.”

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