Downing challenge.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has challenged England wannabe Stewart Downing to produce more of the same to further his claims for a senior international call-up.

The 20-year-old left winger has won rave reviews in recent weeks, having added goals against Manchester United, Egaleo and Portsmouth to a series of glittering appearances which suggest he could be the latest man to be proffered as a solution to Sven-Goran Eriksson's abiding problem.

McClaren has been delighted with the under-21 international's contribution to date but knows only a sustained run of form for his club will see him elevated to the ranks of the senior international set-up.

"If he continues and keeps playing as he's doing, I'll be the first one to shout from the rooftops," he said.

"But consistency is the name of the game at that level and to play for England, that's what you need."

Downing and his team-mates head for Charlton tomorrow having extended their unbeaten run to six games with Wednesday night's 3-0 Carling Cup victory over Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Coventry.