Downing happy for Johnson

(GSM) – Aston Villa’s Stewart Downing is happy for former Middlesbrough teammate Adam Johnson after the latter shined for both Manchester City and England recently.

The pair were together at Middlesbrough and Downing was above Johnson in the pecking order.

Downing has since moved to Villa while Johnson blossomed at City before becoming a star for England.

But Downing is not jealous of Johnson’s success and he is eager to join his former teammate in the England squad.

“For Adam Johnson, it’s been very good,” said Downing. “He’s obviously a good player and he just needed the chance.

“He thought he didn’t get that at Middlesbrough. There was not only me in the team, there were others fighting for a place.

“But he was only a young lad then and now he’s two years older, a little more experienced and it’s turned into a really good move for him.

“He’s a very good player and, for England, he has started really well. It doesn’t give me any more incentive.

“I want to be in that squad with him or without him. It was disappointing that I got left out but that’s Fabio Capello’s decision.

“What I have to do is not moan about it and play well in every game and hopefully try to change his mind.”