JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink has predicted Middlesbrough team-mate Stewart Downing will become an England ever-present in the not too distant future.

National team coach Sven Goran Eriksson has revealed the rising wing sensation was overlooked for the recent friendly with Spain due to commercial pressure on the Swede to pick a full strength squad.

But it seems only a matter of time before Downing, who claimed last week that he has been told by Boro boss Steve McClaren to focus on February's friendly with Holland, receives his first senior international call-up.

Once the 20-year-old does break into the squad, Hasselbaink is convinced that the England scene will become a regular occurrence for the youngster from Pallister Park.

But, while hailing the player's talents, Middlesbrough's Dutch striker admits that Downing must be wrapped in cotton wool in a bid to make sure he does not make too much progress too quickly.

Hasselbaink realises Teesside's rising sensation possesses all the attributes to become a major star for both England and for Middlesbrough.

And the 32-year-old insists Downing's outstanding potential must receive the right guidance from all those around him.

"If Stewart keeps doing what he's doing now it will not take him a long time to play for England," said Hasselbaink. "I'm worried that it happens too soon for him because he's still a young lad who is still taking many of his first steps.

"He's a good player and he will get in the squad. There's no doubt about it and he will be in there for a long, long time. He's got a magnificent and a sweet left foot. He can dribble and can do everything you need a winger to do."

Bizarrely, despite the crossing ability of Downing, Hasselbaink has now gone seven starts without a goal and his striker partner Mark Viduka has not found the net in 12 appearances.

Both will be looking to add to their combined 12-goal total in next Monday's Premiership fixture with Manchester City.

One man who is unlikely to be playing in that match is Franck Queudrue, although Middlesbrough are expecting to learn whether their appeal over Sunday's sending off has been successful today.

Queudrue, who has seen red six times in his three years at the club, was instantly dismissed by referee Phil Dowd at Tottenham after he lunged into a 50-50 tackle with Noe Pamarot two-footed.

The Football Association received an appeal from Middlesbrough yesterday over the dismissal - that ultimately caused his side to lose at White Hart Lane - and the case will be heard today.

If the appeal is unsuccessful then Queudrue will not only miss the match with City he will also be suspended for the trip to Southampton and the visit of Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Dutchman Andy van der Meyde is believed to be keen on staying at Inter Milan.

The winger has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough, with McClaren considering a move in the transfer market in January.

But van der Meyde's agent Chiel Dekker said: "The thing with Middlesbrough was just a rumour as far as we know. He is happy at Inter Milan. He is now playing and that's the main thing."

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