Boro boy Downing signs new five-year deal

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• More Boro news

The 23-year-old put pen to paper on his new deal yesterday, after more than two years of protracted talks, and the England international now wants to regain his place in Fabio Capello's squad, and win more silverware with Boro.

Downing was left out of Capello's first squad to face Switzerland and admits the rejection hit him hard as he plays his part in Middlesbrough's fight against the drop.

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Rocking the Riverside: Downing celebrates his goal against Arsenal in December

He said: "It hurt a lot. I spoke to Gareth about it because I was left out and there was no reason why. That was most disappointing.

"I am determined to get back in. I was in the original 30 but not the 23 and I will work hard and try to impress. There is no point whinging about it."

Downing will be in the Boro side to face Sheffield United in tomorrow night's FA Cup fifth round replay and, with Cardiff at home the reward for the winners, a place in a Wembley semi-final is very close for the 2004 Carling Cup winners.

He added: "This club means everything to me. I was involved in the Carling Cup final but I didn't play and I was there in the UEFA Cup final but we lost to a very good Seville side.

"This club is desperate for European football again. It would be brilliant and it is our ambition to play in it.

"In five years I want to get the club into the top seven. We have done it before and have to again. And I want to win a trophy."