Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing is happy with his new central role.

"I enjoy playing in middle," he admitted to the Evening Gazette. "I like getting on the ball and creating things. That's my job.

"I've played there a few times now and think I've done well. It worked against Sunderland and I think it did against West Ham too."

Downing has won England recognition on the flank but doesn't think the switch inside will do any harm.

"To be honest, I think when it comes to England it helps to have other strings to your bow," he insisted.

"Fabio Capello has said as long as you are playing well for your club it doesn't matter what position you are in. Plenty of lads go back to clubs and play in different positions and it doesn't affect their England place."