FRANCK QUEUDRUE claims Stewart Downing's 'insouciance', or carefree approach to life on the Premiership stage has turned him into England's most talented left-winger in years.

Despite not even turning 21, Downing continues to hit the headlines for his dazzling displays down the flank and Sven-Goran Eriksson looks likely to hand him an international cap early next month.

But, as well as his performances on the pitch, the local product's willingness to listen and work hard for his team-mates has not gone unnoticed by the rest of the Middlesbrough squad.

Left-back Queudrue has built up a promising understanding with Downing down that side and the Frenchman believes a lot of his English counterpart's strong points go unnoticed.

"I like Stewart Downing because he's quick, he has quality crosses and a quality shot but his game is not just about those things," said Queudrue.

"He helps me in the team and he gets back and that's important as well. It's my job to remind him to work hard. People just think that he goes forward and that's what we need, but he needs to come back and help the team. He does that very well.

"He listens and learns and that's why he is a good player. He accepts criticism and that will benefit him. He's down to earth. He cannot get a big head and his insouciance helps him.

"He is the best English left winger. He just needs a bit more confidence and experience and he will be right up there with them. He deserves to play for England. He proved he can score and take players on. I don't know why they are waiting."

Queudrue and Downing will be in tandem again tomorrow at the Riverside when Everton visit the North-East for a fixture that could have a serious say in the race for a Champions League place.

Middlesbrough are eight points behind fourth-placed Everton who are still reeling from the loss of star midfielder Thomas Gravesen to Real Madrid yesterday.

The Toffees have a decent away record having won five of their 11 games on their travels this season but Boro have lost only twice in front of their own fans and tomorrow's meeting promises to be an enthralling encounter.

Queudrue said: "A Champions League place is achievable.

"To play in Europe has been great but we now have to stay in Europe even if that means a top six place - that would be a great."