AFTER watching Stewart Downing grab his second goal in four days, Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren last night revealed his own delight that the young winger is now turning potential into first class performances.

The 20-year-old followed up his winner against Egaleo in the UEFA Cup on Thursday with the equaliser against Portsmouth in the Premiership yesterday with 16 minutes remaining.

Downing's heroics are strengthening his chances of receiving an England call-up and, after witnessing another fine display from the player, McClaren suggests the Middlesbrough starlet is beginning to look the part.

"There's an end product to Stewart's game now, he's delivering great crosses and he's scoring goals," said McClaren. "Stewart was having a quiet game on the left against Andy Griffin, so we switched him to the right for a spell. He had a jink, cut inside his man and from 18 yards he is lethal. It was a fine goal from him again."

Middlesbrough's Gaizka Mendieta will have a scan on his knee today after falling awkwardly as he challenged Patrik Berger for the ball.

The Spaniard was sprawled on the floor for a few minutes after the incident before being carried motionless down the tunnel on a stretcher.

The extent of Mendieta's injury is a concern and he may have to spend time on the sidelines along with Stuart Parnaby, who broke his leg in training on Thursday night.

And McClaren, who revealed George Boateng is also a doubt for Wednesday's Carling Cup tie with Coventry with a calf injury, said: "It was a shame when Mendieta went down because he was causing problems. It was disappointing to see. He will have a scan on Monday and we will see how he is.

"Stuart has also been so unlucky with injuries and can't get a run in the team. His was an innocuous challenge. It looks like it will be ten to 12 weeks for him.

"But Tony McMahon is doing well and this team can only get better. I'm confident of that."

After falling behind to Diomansy Kamara's clinical first half strike, Middlesbrough rallied but failed to convert their possession into victory.

The home side had 21 shots at goal but had to rely on Downing's strike rolling through Shaka Hislop's hands to claim a point.

And McClaren said: "We should have won. But credit to Pompey after they scored, they put 11 men behind the ball and had pace on the break.

"I can't remember how many shots on goal we had but we lacked that cutting edge in front of goal. We did show great patience, though, and found a way through.

"I'd be worried if we weren't creating chances and on another day we would have had three or four goals."

And Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp conceded he was happy to see his side return south with a draw. He said: "We scored a good goal from Kamara and he is a great talent.

"But Middlesbrough pushed and once they got their goal we wanted to come away with a point. You come to Middlesbrough and Newcastle and you are happy to come away with a point."

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