Stewart Downing has targeted an England call-up early next year after being told he is firmly in Sven Goran Eriksson's plans.

The Middlesbrough winger was expected to be handed his first cap in last week's controversial friendly in Spain, but instead had to be content with a second half substitute appearance for the Under-21s.

The 20-year-old claims the omission came as no surprise to him, and he is using the experience to ensure he receives a call from Eriksson ahead of England's next match with Holland at Villa Park on February 9.

Downing's direct and exciting displays down the wing for Middlesbrough both domestically and in the UEFA Cup have had many football pundits hail him as the answer to the country's left-sided problem.

The Teesside-born youngster is aware of all the talk surrounding his performances and he aims to fulfil his dream of representing England in the very near future.

But Downing revealed he concurs with Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren's view that first and foremost he has to continue his scintillating form for his club - and possibly chip in with a few more goals.

"I'm in the Under-21s at the moment but the manager has told me that Sven is very interested in me. I've been told that I have to keep doing well and my chance will come," said Downing, who has four goals so far and numerous assists.

"The manager (McClaren) has told me to look to the Holland game in February. He wants me to keep playing well and stay in the team and then when that time comes around I will wait to see what happens. I would love to be involved.

"I had a sneaky feeling that I wouldn't be picked for the Spain game. I personally thought it was a little too soon for me and that proved to be the case.

"But never mind, it's just been nice to hear everyone talking up my chances. As long as I keep playing well then I have got to be happy with that. I wouldn't mind a few more goals to my name though.

"It's good to hear that people like Alan Hansen on Match of the Day are talking me up. He was a great player. But you just have to take that praise and take it into your next game with you. You can't take anything for granted."

Despite his tender years, Downing will make his fourth appearance in the UEFA Cup on Thursday against Villarreal.

The Middlesbrough midfielder was talking after presenting play equipment to pupils at the town's St Edward's RC Primary School.

And he said: "It's amazing to think that I'm stood here now being worshipped by kids. If anyone had told me a few years ago that I would be stood here at 20-year-old being welcomed like this I would have said no chance.

"It's been a great season so far. And personally it will be nice to get some more European experience on Thursday. For the team we just want to claim either a point or three and that will get us through to the next stage.

"A lot of people said to me last season that you won't play in the Champions League or UEFA Cup with Middlesbrough and I remember replying 'I bet you I do - just give me two or three years.'

"We actually did that within the year and it's great. That's one reason why I signed a long term contract in the summer."

McClaren, meanwhile, has no doubts that Middlesbrough's much-feared forward line will end an uncharacteristic drought on the goal front and save themselves from becoming more irritable.

Despite grabbing 12 goals between them since their summer moves to Teesside, strikers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka have become anxious on the training field after hitting a rough patch.

Hasselbaink is without a goal in the six games since his hat-trick at Blackburn.

Viduka, who missed a few games through injury, has also struggled to add to his tally and his last goal was in the 3-0 win over Banik Ostrava on September 16.

Manager McClaren has been happy with the pair's contribution but joked both are a little more jittery following their lack of luck in front of goal.

"The pair of them are keen to score, as any forwards would be. They are still busy in training even though they are getting more ratty with every game that goes by without them scoring," said the Middlesbrough boss, who takes his side to Valencia tomorrow ahead of the clash with Villarreal