It is nearly twelve years since Stewart Downing played for Sunderland. Considering the man is still only 30 years old and is still in and around the England squad, that is quite a statistic. Some say the Stadium of Light is where Downing became a man as the 18 year old was thrown from Middlesbrough into the fire of the First Division on a short-term loan deal. The promising winger played just seven games for the Black Cats but bagged an impressive total of three goals before returning to where he came from. How they could do with a heftier contribution now. While Adam Johnson is undoubtedly the most talented man at the club, he has suffered from inconsistency more than anyone. About nine months ago, there looked to be a point where he was making a late bid for a seat on the plane for the World Cup following a barrage of virtuoso performances and jaw-dropping goals. Now he finds himself in and out of the team as Gus Poyet opts for reliability and consistency over flair and unpredictability. Downings consistent displays for West Ham seem to have swatted away the critics that plagued his Anfield career and have elevated him back into the international fold. With two goals and four assists from eleven games this season, he is proving to be the catalyst behind West Hams resurgence in form this year. Sunderland could certainly do with a spark like him at the club.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
