Be patient, Downing told.

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren has urged Stewart Downing to forget his England snub ( because a full international call-up is only a matter of time.

Downing missed out on a place in Sven-GUran Eriksson's squad to play Spain tomorrow and will play for the Under-21s tonight.

The 20-year-old starred in Middlesbrough's 2-1 win at West Brom on Sunday which sent Boro up to fourth place.

And McClaren believes a place in the full squad is inevitable if Downing continues his meteoric Premiership rise.

McClaren said: "It is Sven's decision, but if Stewart keeps playing like that, he will get his opportunity.

"He is only 20 and he has only been in the first team for two months.

"But his attitude has been great and he keeps his feet on the ground, and if he keeps going then it is only a matter of time before he does get his chance."

McClaren has been anxious to shield Downing from the hype surrounding his performances at the Riverside Stadium this season.

Top rival bosses, including new Albion chief Bryan Robson, insist Downing represents the ideal answer to Eriksson's long-standing left-sided problem.

And already there have been rumours linking Downing with a January switch to Manchester United and a pounds 10m bid from Arsenal.

Downing set up Bolo Zenden's winner at The Hawthorns and earned extra praise from McClaren, who says the youngster helps instil fear into opposing teams.

McClaren added: "Stewart always causes problems with his pace and delivery. People look at Downing and our front two and they know they've got a tough game."