STEVE McClaren last night opened the door for Sunderland to keep Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing beyond his initial month's loan.

Downing has impressed since arriving at the Stadium of Light and should play his part in the Black Cats' two remaining matches in November - against Crewe and Burnley. The 19-year-old, who has previously attracted the attention of Manchester United and Liverpool, has indicated he sees his long-term future at the Riverside.

And McClaren admits he has no plans to sell Downing, insisting he wants the local teenager to force his way into Boro's first team for many years to come.

But the Boro boss did suggest he would be prepared to listen to Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy if he wants Downing to stay on until the end of the season.

McCarthy, who has been delighted with Downing's performances since making his debut for the club on November 1, has so far not contacted McClaren since the switch. "Sunderland could extend the deal, he's there for a month and they've not asked about extending it yet," said McClaren.

"I'm delighted he's doing well there, he's a Middlesbrough player and we want him in our first team eventually and the experience he's getting is doing him a lot of good.

"He's a young player with great potential, but that's all it is at the moment. He's still got a long way to go and we're keen to give him as much league experience as possible to help his development and to also help out Sunderland."

* Bryan Robson last night confirmed his interest in taking charge of First Division Bradford City, writes Clive Hetherington.

Robson, who has been out of mainstream football since he was sacked by Middlesbrough in the summer of 2001, is anxious to return to the game at managerial level. The former England captain was lined up to coach Nigeria on a six-month deal, but the move fell through when the country's sports minister, Musa Mohammed, refused to sanction Robson's reported £8,000-a-week salary.

Bradford, second bottom in Division One, dismissed Nicky Law last weekend, and Robson said: "I'll be very interested in talking to the chairman about the position."

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