STEWART Downing insists he was never in any doubt where he wanted to play his football this season - despite speculation linking him with a move away from Middlesbrough in the summer.

Spurs tested Boro's resolve to keep the player by making a formal offer, and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is known to be a long-term admirer of a winger he sees as the natural successor to Ryan Giggs.

Ferguson watched with keen interest from Old Trafford as weeks of protracted contract negotiations continued between Boro and Downing's advisors, and pondered a swoop.

But the 21-year-old England international, who quashed all rumours when he eventually put pen to paper on a new five-year deal, reckons leaving Teesside never crossed his mind.

He believes there is nowhere better than the Riverside to complete his footballing education.

"I knew there was a lot of speculation about me (leaving) so I spoke to my family about it and it was just a case of getting the contract sorted," confessed Downing ahead of Boro's home game against Charlton tomorrow.

"My dad is a massive Middlesbrough fan and he's been the biggest influence.

"He wanted me to stay and I wanted to stay. I think this is the best place to learn There are a few young lads coming through and the academy is great and I see my future at this club.

"The speculation is flattering but I've still got a lot to learn. I think the best place for me at the minute is here at Middlesbrough."

Downing says he has set several targets for himself this season - the biggest winning a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad for the World Cup finals in Germany.

The skilful winger was disappointed with his omission from England's friendly international with Denmark last week, but says it has only served to make him even more determined to play his way into Eriksson's squad before the end of the current campaign.

"It did knock my confidence not to play (in the Denmark friendly)," said Downing, who has been consequently called in to Peter Taylor's England squad for the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers versus Wales and Germany next week.

"I've been injured and there are top players in front of me. But hopefully, if I keep playing well I'll get back in that squad.

"But the sooner I get in the better and I'm sure I'll get a chance and show Sven and get in to that World Cup squad."

Boro boss, and England coach, Steve McClaren, however, believes Downing has nothing to worry about, so long as he maintains last season's form.

"There are very few left sided players out there and if he keeps playing well he will get that chance," said McClaren.

"He's gaining that confidence. Getting the England call-up gives you that self belief you have to have it.

"If he does then there is every chance he can earn another call-up before next summer."

In the meantime Downing says he is leaving nothing to chance and is striving to improve his own performances after admitting he is far from the complete player.

One strategy he intends to employ this season is one of watch and learn.

"I'm nowhere near the finished article and I've got a lot to learn," he admitted.

"I was speaking to some of the players recently and there is a lot I can work on: more goals, more creativity.

"There are players out there you can learn from like the Ryan Giggs and Arjen Robben, and if you can learn from them then you'll not go too far wrong.

"I've watched Giggs right through from when I was a kid and I think he's a top player.

"He just keeps improving every year and producing goals and setting up for other people.

"He's been at a big club at Man Utd all his life so he must be doing something right.

"He can play in a few different positions. He can play off the front, on the right, left and he improves every year. "If I can learn from someone like him then I should do quite well."