STEWART Downing is hoping that Steve McClaren is suffering from a headache while he is away with England this week, with the star showing of Middlesbrough's young guns at the root of the problem.

McClaren is helping to prepare Sven Goran Eriksson's side for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Wales but, as he puts the national side through their paces in Manchester, last weekend's visit to Old Trafford is sure to be at the forefront of his mind.

With seven first-teamers sidelined through injury, the Boro boss was forced to hand Downing his first Premiership start of the season and give domestic debuts to 18-year-olds James Morrison and Tony McMahon.

The trio responded to the challenge, with McMahon silencing Welsh winger Ryan Giggs and Morrison teeing up Downing for the first-half goal that eventually earned Boro a commendable 1-1 draw.

Last season's youth-team stars have become this season's first-team starlets and, while four or five senior players should be back in contention for Boro's next Premiership game against Blackburn, they can no longer be assured a return to the starting line-up.

"There were four lads starting against Manchester United that have come through the youth team," said Downing, who will be part of the England Under-21 side lining up against their Welsh equivalents on Friday night.

"That shows just how good the young players are here at Middlesbrough - and we're only going to get better."

"We've all come through the same youth team and I think that helps to create a closeness between the lads.

"It's exactly the same for all of us - we're all local lads and we all want to be playing first-team football for Middlesbrough.

"If we carry on putting in performances like that, it's going to start causing the gaffer a bit of a problem."

Downing made his senior debut at Ipswich in April 2002 but, after initially struggling to establish himself in the side, his career took off during a successful loan spell at Sunderland last year.

Three goals in seven games underlined his attacking potential but, despite being called back to Teesside by McClaren, the midfielder struggled to dislodge Bolo Zenden from his preferred left-wing berth.

With Manchester United, Liverpool and Blackburn showing an interest, Downing spent most of this summer mulling over his future.

But, despite admitting that there were times when he considered leaving Teesside, the 20-year-old is delighted to see his decision to stay being vindicated.

"I've always wanted to play for Middlesbrough," said Downing. "But there are times when you think about your future when you're not getting into the first team.

"The manager's there to speak to and, whenever I've spoken to him, he's assured me that I've got a future here at Middlesbrough.

"The gaffer's always said that if you've got the ability, and you keep playing well, then you will be given a chance.

"He's proved that, and he's proved that he's not afraid of playing any of the young lads. Now it's up to us to pay him back for that."

Success at Old Trafford was nothing new to Downing, as he was a part of the Boro side that earned a shock 3-2 win at the Theatre of Dreams last season.

That experience stood him in good stead last weekend, and also proved a valuable reference point for his fellow youngsters.

"Before the game, James and Tony were asking me what it was like last year," revealed Downing. "I told them that's it's no different to anywhere else. You just go out there, forget the fans, and get on with your normal game.

"To their credit, that's what they did. Tony played without any nerves at all, and James has taken his chance brilliantly in the last two games."