IT was only in the mid-nineties that an excited Stewart Downing was on the touchline acting as a ball boy for Middlesbrough. His father, of the same name, sat in the stands proud as punch that his son was assisting the players the whole family worshipped.

Now the same youngster, only a few years later, has become one of the leading lights of Middlesbrough's emphatic start to life in the UEFA Cup and is on the verge of an incredible call-up from England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Boro boss Steve McClaren, the Swede's assistant, admits he has spoken at length to the England boss about the burgeoning talent of Downing and on Thursday Eriksson suggested there is a chance of a phone call sooner rather than later.

It is incredible to think that at Middlesbrough's 20-year-old sparkling winger, with just 11 Premiership starts behind him, could be the answer to the long-standing left-side of midfield problem that has never been filled appropriately since the days of a North-East wonder Chris Waddle.

McClaren is keen to keep Downing under wraps. Interviews are a rarity as the Middlesbrough boss uses a strict policy to keep rising stars out of the media spotlight - a strategy adopted by Sir Alex Ferguson during David Beckham and Ryan Giggs' younger days.

But after coming off the bench in the city of Athens on Thursday night to clinch victory over tiny Egaleo with a clinical left-foot strike, Downing took time out to explain how he is living his dream playing for his boyhood heroes and that he would love nothing more than to play for his country - be it next month or in a couple of years time.

"My old man (Stewart senior) is a big fan of Middlesbrough. He didn't go to Greece, but he gets to as many games as he can in," said Downing.

"He's really pleased and it's a big change from when I used to be a ball boy at Boro when I was younger. I wasn't particularly a good one mind.

"I'm just pleased that I'm now getting my chance playing for the club. There's not many left-footers about, is there? A few people have mentioned England to me but I'm just concentrating on being a regular at Middlesbrough, that's first and foremost, and then hopefully England will follow.

"I'm getting advice from Gareth Southgate, Colin Cooper, obviously the gaffer, who's involved with England, they're talking to me all the time.

"If I carry on, you never know. I think it would be a big step up to the national team from the Under-21s, but hopefully it will come.

"As with most people, it is an ambition of mine to play for England. You all want to play at the top, at the best level, and I'm very lucky to play in the Premiership with Middlesbrough.

"I just want to progress to the highest level possible really."

As a Middlesbrough supporting footballer in his schoolboy days, as well as a number of posters of his favourite team on his bedroom wall at his home on the Pallister Park estate in the town, there was also a large picture of the finest British left-winger for many years in Ryan Giggs.

Now it seems Downing, providing his ever-improving talents continue to shine and he keeps the same temperament he currently shows, is taking the first steps towards becoming just as big a hit in that position over the next decade or so.

That is the high regard he is held in now and has never looked back since starring during a loan spell at Sunderland this time last season when he was outstanding in his seven appearances for the Black Cats.

"It is happening very fast for me. I hadn't scored for Middlesbrough before this season, now it's three so I'm just enjoying it at the minute.

"I've just got to take each game as it comes then hopefully the rewards come further on," said Downing, who also created three of his side's four goals in the win at Blackburn last weekend.

"There are some mornings you get up and you have to pinch yourself. You think to yourself 'I am in a lucky position', but it's all down to hard work, that's what most people will tell you and that's what we have to do.

"I'm pleased with my performances over the last couple of weeks, it's just nice to be involved in as many matches as I can. I'll probably be involved against Portsmouth on Sunday and that'll be nice again.

"The boss said 'you need a rest' in Greece and I had to respect that. My aim is to play as many as I can. The more the merrier. With Bolo (Zenden) here it's hard but I've got to give the manager problems, just keep doing well and hopefully that will be my spot."

Eriksson has proven over the past few years he is not afraid to inject youth into the senior squad and with a little under two years until the next major tournament who would bet against Downing starring for England in Germany 2006